On Tuesday (June 16), Donald Trump announced that he will campaign to become the next U.S. president, and his New York press conference was soundtracked by Neil Young's 1989 anthem "Rockin' in the Free World." Unsurprisingly, the famously liberal-leaning Young was not happy that the Republic hopeful used his song.
"Donald Trump was not authorized to use 'Rockin' in the Free World' in his presidential candidacy announcement," read an official statement from Young's team. "Neil Young, a Canadian citizen, is a supporter of Bernie Sanders for President of the United States of America."
Although Young didn't approve of Trump's use of the tune, a spokesman for the mogul-turned-politician told TMZ that they "paid for and obtained the legal right" to use the song. They won't be playing it again, however. Trump apparently remains a fan of Young's music, despite their idealogical differences.
Of course, there's an irony to Trump's use of the song: although "Rockin' in the Free World" has a seemingly patriotic chorus, the lyrics actually criticize America (specifically the Republican administrations of the '80s) and touch on topics like poverty, homelessness, violence and environmental destruction.
Young's new album The Monsanto Years will be out on June 29 through Reprise.
UPDATE: Neil Young himself has now released a statement about the incident, and you can read it in full here.
"Donald Trump was not authorized to use 'Rockin' in the Free World' in his presidential candidacy announcement," read an official statement from Young's team. "Neil Young, a Canadian citizen, is a supporter of Bernie Sanders for President of the United States of America."
Although Young didn't approve of Trump's use of the tune, a spokesman for the mogul-turned-politician told TMZ that they "paid for and obtained the legal right" to use the song. They won't be playing it again, however. Trump apparently remains a fan of Young's music, despite their idealogical differences.
Of course, there's an irony to Trump's use of the song: although "Rockin' in the Free World" has a seemingly patriotic chorus, the lyrics actually criticize America (specifically the Republican administrations of the '80s) and touch on topics like poverty, homelessness, violence and environmental destruction.
Young's new album The Monsanto Years will be out on June 29 through Reprise.
UPDATE: Neil Young himself has now released a statement about the incident, and you can read it in full here.
