This 2020 initiative followed years of individual protests against unauthorized use, particularly during Donald Trump's campaigns.
: The letter was sent to the Republican and Democratic National Committees (RNC and DNC), as well as their respective senatorial and congressional campaign committees.
: Previously sent a cease-and-desist to the Trump campaign in 2015 regarding the use of "Dream On," framing it as a matter of creator rights rather than a partisan attack. Aerosmith, Rolling Stones Members Demand Campai...
: Musicians noted that being "dragged unwillingly into politics" can compromise their personal values, confuse their messaging, and alienate fans. Legal and Ethical Arguments
The petition highlighted several risks and moral issues associated with current campaign practices: This 2020 initiative followed years of individual protests
Members of and The Rolling Stones are among dozens of high-profile musicians who signed an open letter in July 2020 demanding that political campaigns seek express consent before using their music . This collective effort, organized in partnership with the Artist Rights Alliance , was addressed to major U.S. political committees and sought to establish clear policies to protect artists' intellectual property and personal values. Key Details of the Collective Demand
: unauthorized use may violate federal and state copyright and trademark laws , as well as "rights of publicity". : Musicians noted that being "dragged unwillingly into
: Repeatedly objected to the use of "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and "Start Me Up" at rallies, eventually threatening legal action through BMI to exclude their songs from blanket licenses.