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Heart says "Barracuda" use is fishy
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The rock group Heart, angry that its '70s hit "Barracuda" is being used as the unofficial theme song for Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin, is taking aim at the Alaska governor.

The song, a nod to the "Sarah Barracuda" nickname Palin earned on the basketball court in high school, was dusted off for her appearance at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul on Wednesday.

Heart singers Ann and Nancy Wilson said a "cease-and-desist" letter has been sent to the Republicans asking them not to use the song.

"The Republican campaign did not ask for permission to use the song, nor would they have been granted that permission," according to a statement issued late on Thursday on behalf of the sisters.

http://news.yahoo.com/story//nm/20080906/people_nm/heart_palin_dc

Van Halen to McCain: No You Can't
Posted Aug 29th 2008 3:00PM by TMZ Staff

John McCain used a Van Halen song during his big speech earlier today and the band wants to make one thing clear -- they're not running with McCain.

Van Halen management tells us the band had no idea McCain was planning on using "Right Now" during his big entrance in Ohio telling us, "Permission was not sought or granted nor would it have been given."

For the record, Dubya used the same song during a bunch of his campaign speeches back in 2004, but sources close to the band tell us, "They're not political, they're just rock and roll."

http://www.tmz.com/2008/08/29/van-halen-to-mccain-no-you-cant/

Sammy Hagar doesn't mind if they use Van Halen songs . . . perhaps because the GOP was instrumental in raising the speed limit up from 55. But Sammy ain't real Van Halen anyway.

But Jackson Browne? WTF were they thinking? He is a well-known activist. Who's the genius that thought it would be even remotely OK to use his music? WTF

Jackson Browne files suit against John McCain and Republican National Committee

05:33 PM CDT on Thursday, August 14, 2008
By MICHAEL GRANBERRY / The Dallas Morning News

Jackson Browne filed suit Thursday against Republican presidential candidate John McCain and the Republican National Committee for what he contends is the unlawful use of his song "Running on Empty" in a campaign ad targeting Democratic candidate Barack Obama.

Mr. Browne, 59, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame known for his liberal politics as well as a long career as a singer-songwriter, had endorsed John Edwards in his bid for the White House. Mr. Edwards later endorsed the presumptive Democratic nominee, Mr. Obama.

Courtesy of Music City Texas Theater
Jackson Browne performs at the Music City Texas Theater in Linden, Texas.
View larger More photos Photo store The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, alleges that Mr. McCain and the GOP failed to obtain a license for use of the song in a television commercial, which mocks Mr. Obama for suggesting that the country conserve gas through proper tire inflation.

McCain spokesman Brian Rogers suggested Thursday that Mr. Browne may have sued the wrong people. He said the ad in question is not a McCain campaign ad but one put together by the Ohio Republican Party.

Mr. Browne's attorney, Lawrence Y. Iser, told the Los Angeles Times , however, that Mr. Browne had not named the wrong defendant: "We have sued the Ohio Republican Party as well, and we have been informed and believe that McCain and his campaign were well aware of the ad. We are also informed and believe that the ad was broadcast on television in Ohio and Pennsylvania. ... The fact that it appears on the Internet means it also reaches an audience well beyond those states."

In addition to a claim for copyright infringement, the suit alleges that, by using a song famously associated with Mr. Browne, Mr. McCain and the GOP violated the federal Lanham Act by falsely suggesting that Mr. Browne is associated with and endorses Mr. McCain's candidacy. In addition, the suit says the use of Mr. Browne's voice violates Mr. Browne's right of publicity under California law. The suit seeks a permanent injunction as well as unspecified damages.

"In light of Jackson Browne's lifelong commitment to Democratic ideals and political candidates, the misappropriation of Jackson Browne's endorsement is entirely reprehensible, and I have no doubt that a jury will agree," Mr. Iser said in a prepared statement. .

Mr. Browne's attorney told the Times that the lawsuit "is not politically motivated. It's a copyright infringement lawsuit, pure and simple, but the fact that Sen. McCain has used this song in a hit piece on Barack Obama is anathema to Jackson."

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcon...ownemccain_0815gl.State.Edition1.2cfc611.html

 

[Bending_Unit_22]

Well the news sure is surprising someone today, which at any rate this is nothing new. I don't want to blow your mind or anything but Hollywood hates the GOP too.

 

[Stoney Mason]

To be fair Obama used that lame GOP staple song by Brooks and Dunn and they were cool with it.

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdai...unn-comment-on-obamas-use-of-only-in-america/
http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2008/08/only-in-america.html

 

[soulbent]

Pretty sure Palin named one of her kids' middle names Van, after Van Halen, too.

 

[bafflewaffle]

Despite the Wilson sisters' objections, one of the song's co-writers said he was "thrilled" that the song was used.

In an e-mail to Reuters, the band's former guitarist, Roger Fisher, said it was a win-win situation. Heart gets publicity and royalties, while the Republicans benefit from "the ingenious placement of a kick-ass song," Fisher said.

But in a subsequent email, Fisher said he strongly endorsed the Democratic ticket, and would donate a portion of royalties he receives from the Republicans' airing of "Barracuda" to the campaign of Sen. Barack Obama.

"With my contribution to Obama's campaign, the Republicans are now supporting Obama," he said.

:lol

 

[Fun Factor]

Damn biased liberal media.

 

[M3wThr33]

Pretty sure Palin named one of her kids' middle names Van, after Van Halen, too.

She also named her kids Tarp, Plop, Fok, Lunk and Stoop. I don't think they mean SHIT.