Rock Band Guitarist Challenges Trump Over Song Use on Truth Social
Brian May, the renowned guitarist of Queen, has recently spoken out against former President Donald Trump’s use of the band’s music on his social media platform, Truth Social. This incident sparked considerable discussion, highlighting the intersection of politics and music.
Trump’s Use of Queen’s Music
Donald Trump has been known to incorporate classic rock songs into his campaign materials and social media posts. His latest video featured Queen’s iconic track “Who Wants to Live Forever.” The video included a painting by artist Jon McNaughton, depicting Trump as a conductor leading an orchestra of Republican figures.
Brian May Responds
Following the video’s release, May took to Instagram to express his disapproval of Trump’s unauthorized use of the song. He mentioned that many followers had reached out to him, curious about his perspective. In his post, he noted, “It was recently posted using our music without permission.” He also pointed out that Instagram was muting the sound on his response in various regions due to copyright issues.
- Song used: “Who Wants to Live Forever”
- Platform: Truth Social
- Artist of the painting: Jon McNaughton
Public Reaction
Commenters on May’s post expressed their discontent with Trump’s use of the song. Many felt it was a misuse that contradicted the song’s themes of humanity and selflessness. One commenter stated, “Trump represents the opposite of everything that song stands for.” Others echoed sentiments of disapproval, labeling the act as an “appalling abuse” of Queen’s music.
May invited his followers to share their opinions, asking if they found the painting inspiring or appalling, and whether Queen should support or object to its use. He encouraged a respectful dialogue, requesting that comments remain civil.
Queen’s Future in the U.S.
In a separate discussion, May expressed concerns about the future of Queen’s tours in America. He noted that the current state of the nation has led many to reconsider their plans to perform there. “It’s very sad because I feel like Queen grew up in America and we love it, but it’s not what it was,” he shared.
This situation emphasizes the ongoing debate over the appropriation of music for political purposes, raising questions about artistic ownership and respect. It is a reminder that artists like Brian May are not just musicians but also advocates for their work and the messages it conveys.
