Aerosmith, Rolling Stones Members Demand Campai... Apr 2026

: They urged political parties to make financial and logistical support for candidates contingent on a pledge to seek proper song clearance. Historical Context

This 2020 initiative followed years of individual protests against unauthorized use, particularly during Donald Trump's campaigns. Aerosmith, Rolling Stones Members Demand Campai...

Members of and The Rolling Stones are among dozens of high-profile musicians who signed an open letter in July 2020 demanding that political campaigns seek express consent before using their music . This collective effort, organized in partnership with the Artist Rights Alliance , was addressed to major U.S. political committees and sought to establish clear policies to protect artists' intellectual property and personal values. Key Details of the Collective Demand : They urged political parties to make financial

: Repeatedly objected to the use of "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and "Start Me Up" at rallies, eventually threatening legal action through BMI to exclude their songs from blanket licenses. This collective effort, organized in partnership with the

: The artists claimed this practice "undermines the campaign process" and "distorts elections" by confusing the voting public about where artists actually stand.

: Musicians noted that being "dragged unwillingly into politics" can compromise their personal values, confuse their messaging, and alienate fans. Legal and Ethical Arguments