The rock band Foo Fighters has issued a warning to former President Donald Trump, threatening “appropriate actions” after their 1990s hit “My Hero” was played at a rally in Glendale, Arizona, where Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took the stage. This incident is the latest in a series of disputes over the unauthorized use of songs at Trump’s campaign events.
Kennedy, who had earlier suspended his independent presidential campaign and endorsed Trump, received a warm welcome from the 17,000 Trump supporters at the Turning Point Action rally at Desert Diamond Arena. The event was headlined by Trump, and Kennedy’s entrance was marked by the playing of “My Hero,” much to the displeasure of the Foo Fighters.
The band took to social media to express their disapproval. When asked if they had granted permission for the song’s use, they responded with a simple “No.” Later, they issued a more formal statement, reiterating their stance: “Let us be clear.”
According to a report by Billboard, the Foo Fighters are considering “appropriate actions” against the Trump campaign and have pledged to donate any royalties from the song’s use to the Harris-Walz campaign. A spokesperson for the band stated, “Foo Fighters were not asked for permission, and if they were, they would not have granted it. Appropriate actions are being taken, and any royalties received will be donated.”
This incident follows similar actions by other artists. On August 21, Beyoncé’s record label sent a cease-and-desist notice to the Trump campaign for using her song “Freedom.” Additionally, the estate of Isaac Hayes filed a copyright infringement notice over the use of “Hold On, I’m Coming” at Trump rallies. The campaign has since replaced the song with “YMCA” by the Village People as Trump’s closing theme at events.