In the ongoing saga of musicians expressing disdain for the use of their songs at political events, former President Donald Trump finds himself in the crosshairs again. This time, Johnny Marr, the guitarist for the iconic British band The Smiths, took to social media to voice his displeasure over Trump's use of their song, "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" at a rally in South Dakota last year.
Marr joins a list of musicians who have spoken out against the use of their music by political figures, particularly Trump. The Rolling Stones, Prince, David Bowie, and the family of Tom Petty have all taken measures to distance themselves from Trump's campaign by issuing cease-and-desist orders. However, the legal avenues available to musicians are limited, with campaigns able to obtain special licenses from BMI and ASCAP, two major publishing giants.
In response to Marr's public disapproval, Libby Emmons shares a different viewpoint, urging musicians not to harbor resentment towards fans who may hold differing political beliefs. Emmons emphasizes that the love for music transcends political affiliations, stating, "Don't hate the people who love your music and love to share it. There's lots of us out here who love your songs who you might not agree with politically. Art is bigger than politics."
The notion that "art is bigger than politics" suggests that the universal appeal of of music has the potential to transcend the divisions of politics. Emmons' stance encourages artists to embrace the nature of their art, recognizing that listeners from various backgrounds may find solace, joy, or inspiration in their music. Her response to Johnny Marr's disapproval of Trump's use of The Smiths' song provides a counterpoint, emphasizing the unifying and abundant social qualities of music.
Johnny Marr's immature and intolerant reaction to Trump's song choice at the rally highlights the ongoing influence of "Trump Derangement Syndrome" on liberal celebrities.
