Neil Young is suing Donald Trump’s re-election campaign to attempt to stop the US president playing his songs at campaign rallies, according to a lawsuit posted on the rocker’s website.
The 74-year-old claims a breach of copyright to the use of Rockin’ In The Free World and Devil’s Sidewalk, in several Trump events including a recent rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
“(The) plaintiff in good conscience cannot allow his music to be used as a ‘theme song’ for a divisive, un-American campaign of ignorance and hate,” reads the draft filing.
The suit, which seeks damages of up to $150,000 for any infringement, is undated but the text indicates Young’s attorneys planning to file it with a federal court into New York.
Young has repeatedly voiced disdain for Trump’s performance of his classic hits at rallies, asking him to stop.
The Canadian-born musician, now a US citizen, called Trump “a disgrace to my country” earlier this year while coming out in help of Bernie Sanders in the Democratic race.
Several top artists, including Pharrell Williams, Rihanna, Aerosmith, Adele, and the estate of singer Prince have complained of Trump using their songs.
In June, British rock legends the Rolling Stones threatened legal action against Trump to his use of their classic You Can’t Always Get What You Want at campaign rallies.
The same month, the group of rock musician Tom Petty issued a cease and desist letter over Trump’s use of I Won’t Back Down at the Tulsa rally on June 20.
Last month, Mick Jagger, Michael Stipe and Sheryl Crow did among high-profile musicians to sign a letter demanding that politicians get their consent before playing their songs at rallies.
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