Queen's GOP convention rouser "We Are the Champions" on Monday was not authorized, the British band said on social media, charging that the song was played against its wishes.
Queen's label Sony/ATV Music also issued its own statement after the song was played when Donald Trump, now the official Republican Party presidential nominee, appeared at the convention Monday night to introduce his wife Melania Trump, noted
People magazine.
Queen issued a similar statement across its social media platforms on Tuesday.
Sony/ATV's said it was never asked by Trump, his campaign or company to use "We Are the Champions."
"On behalf of the band, we are frustrated by the repeated unauthorized use of the song after a previous request to desist, which has obviously been ignored by Mr. Trump and his campaign," said a Sony/ATV statement, per People.
"Queen does not want its music associated with any mainstream or political debate in any country. Nor does Queen want 'We Are the Champions' to be used as an endorsement of Mr. Trump and the political views of the Republican Party. We trust, hope and expect that Mr. Trump and his campaign will respect these wishes moving forward."
Queen's longtime guitarist Brian May complained in June about "We Are the Champions" being played at another Trump event, reported
Rolling Stone magazine. The song was played when Trump spoke at Briarcliff Manor, New York after the real estate mogul won multiple primaries.
"This is not an official Queen statement, but I can confirm that permission to use the track was neither sought nor given," May said on his
website on June 8. "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."
Other musicians have charged that Trump's campaign has used their music without authorization, including R.E.M., Adele, the Rolling Stones, Twisted Sister and Neil Young, according to People.
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