From R.E.M. to The O’Jays: A list of singers who want Trump to stop the music

Besides Donald Trump and the Republican National Convention, most already suspected Azealia Banks and Ben Carson’s wife, Candy, were the only Black singers whose music the RNC could safely play. It seems several White superstar musicians also find Trump objectionable. Here’s a list of those who don’t want Trump playing them.


1. The late Beatle, George Harrison


The Beatles 1970 album cover

As if speaking from the grave, the Twitter account of George Harrison, which is controlled by the late Beatle’s heirs, issued this statement:

“The unauthorized use of #HereComestheSun at the #RNCinCLEis offensive & against the wishes of the George Harrison estate.”


2. O’Jays

 Walter Williams, Eric Grant and Eddie Levert of The O'Jays preform during Prince Walk of Fame Induction and 2016 Spring Gala at The Apollo Theater on June 13, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Shahar Azran/WireImage)
Walter Williams, Eric Grant and Eddie Levert of The O’Jays preform during Prince Walk of Fame Induction and 2016 Spring Gala at The Apollo Theater on June 13, 2016, in New York City. (Photo by Shahar Azran/WireImage)

Walter Williams and Eddie Levert, founding members of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame vocal group the O’Jays said the following in a statement objecting to the use of the RNC playing their 1973 hit “Love Train.

“Our music, and most especially, ‘Love Train’ is about bringing people together, not building walls…I don’t appreciate being associated with Mr. Trump and his usage of our music without permission,” said Williams.

“I don’t agree, whatsoever, with Trump’s politics,” added Levert.

3. Earth, Wind & Fire

Earth, Wind & Fire album cover

After the RNC played Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September,” the Hall of Famers tweeted a statement nearly identical to an earlier tweet from the British group, Queen:

“Another unauthorized use (‘September’) at the Republican Convention, against our wishes.”

4. Rolling Stones

Photo courtesy The Rolling Stones
Photo courtesy The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones told Time Magazine through a spokesman:

“The Rolling Stones have never given permission to the Trump campaign to use their songs and have requested that they cease all use immediately.”


5. R.E.M.

R.E.M. via album cover

“Go f— yourselves, the lot of you — you sad, attention-grabbing, power-hungry little men,” was the advice R.E.M. lead singer Michael Stipe gave Trump. “Do not use our music or my voice for your moronic charade of a campaign.”

6. Adele

Photo credit: Adele's Instagram (@adele)
Photo Credit: Adele’s Instagram (@adele)

Adele was a bit more subtle when her spokesman Benny Tarantini told CNN:

“Adele has not given permission for her music to be used for any political campaigning.”

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