Queen guitarist Brian May is not happy that Donald Trump used the band's 1970s anthem "We Are the Champions" before a victory speech Tuesday.
After winning the final round of multiple Republican Party primaries Tuesday, Trump spoke in Briarcliff Manor, New York, with the music of Queen's hit song in the
background, according to Rolling Stone.
That apparently set off fans of the band, who sent messages to the group's guitarist on his website. May then responded, in kind.
"I've had an avalanche of complaints — some of which you can see in our 'Letters' about Donald Trump using our 'We Are The Champions' track as his 'theme' song on
USA TV," May wrote on his website.
"This is not an official Queen statement, but I can confirm that permission to use the track was neither sought nor given. We are taking advice on what steps we can take to ensure this use does not continue. Regardless of our views on Mr. Trump's platform, it has always been against our policy to allow Queen music to be used as a political campaigning tool. Our music embodies our own dreams and beliefs, but it is for all who care to listen and enjoy."
May appeared to be a little more opinionated when responding to a complaint sent by a woman named Lois.
"We certainly have not approved this use of ('We Are the Champions") — I will make sure we take what steps we can to dissociate ourselves from Donald Trump's unsavory
campaign," he wrote on the website.
Trump has yet to comment on the controversy.
The Daily Mail noted that Queen has no legal power to keep politicians from playing their songs in public, but some figures may hesitate to continue using the music if the artists publicly oppose it. Neil Young and REM lead singer Michael Stipe have also complained about Trump's use of their songs in the past, the U.K. site said.
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