Neil Young sues Trump for playing Rockin' in the Free World at a rally without a licence
Rock veteran Neil Young has filed a $10m lawsuit against a fundraising committee that supports US President Donald Trump, citing "unauthorised" use of his 1989 song Rockin' in the Free World.
TL;DR
- Neil Young is suing the Trump 47 Committee for $10 million over the unauthorized use of his song 'Rockin' in the Free World'.
- The song was played at a Trump rally in Ohio on October 12th, allegedly without a license or Young's permission.
- Young previously sued Trump's re-election campaign in 2020 for using the same song, which was settled shortly after.
- The lawsuit states that Trump was personally aware of the need for a license and that Young would not grant permission.
- Young characterizes 'Rockin' in the Free World' as the opposite of Donald Trump's values.
- The use of music at campaign rallies often requires a public performance license.