The Swedish pop sensation ABBA, renowned for their 70s disco hits, has recently joined the ranks of musicians attempting to muzzle President Donald Trump.
The band has demanded that Trump cease using their music at his rallies, alleging "unauthorized" use. However, this outcry seems to be a mere facade, as the Trump campaign has affirmed they possess the appropriate licensing to play ABBA's music. This incident appears to be another instance of celebrities, detached from the realities of American politics, attempting to interfere.
According to Gateway Pundit, ABBA's statement, obtained by the Associated Press, claimed that no request for permission had been received, and hence, no license had been granted. "ABBA has recently discovered the unauthorized use of their music and videos at a Trump event through videos that appeared online. As a result, ABBA and its representative has promptly requested the removal and deletion of such content. No request has been received; therefore, no permission or license has been granted."
Contrary to ABBA's claim, the Trump campaign has asserted that they have indeed secured a license through agreements with BMI and ASCAP, the organizations responsible for issuing blanket licenses for music use. A Trump spokesperson told the AP, "The campaign had a license to play ABBA music through our agreement with BMI and ASCAP."
This recent action by ABBA aligns them with a growing list of artists who have attempted to use their music as a weapon against Trump. This list includes notable names such as Bruce Springsteen, Beyonc, Celine Dion, and the Foo Fighters.
Kristinn Taylor of the Gateway Pundit reported that the rock band Foo Fighters threatened President Trump with "appropriate actions" after their 1990s hit "My Hero" was played while Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. took the stage at a rally in Glendale, Arizona. However, it seems that the tables have turned, with news suggesting that the Foo Fighters themselves might be the ones facing the "appropriate actions."
The Independent reported that the Trump campaign did indeed have permission to play "My Hero" at the rally, after the band sold their rights to BMI. This revelation exposes the hypocrisy of the Foo Fighters, and by extension, other artists like ABBA, who appear more interested in virtue signaling than respecting the legal rights of others.
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