Billionaire real estate mogul Donald Trump announced his candidacy for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination today in blustery fashion, right down to using a rock anthem without the artist's permission.
Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World" played as Trump took the stage Tuesday but the rocker wasn't exactly happy about the unauthorized usage, especially by a candidate he doesn't support, according to a statement from his manager.
In an email, Young's manager Elliot Roberts wrote that "Donald Trump was not authorized to use 'Rockin' in the Free World' in his presidential candidacy announcement. Mr. Young, a Canadian citizen, is a supporter of Bernie Sanders for president of the United States of America."
While the emailed statement appears to represent the extent of Young's comments on today's events, his old bandmate David Crosby had a few choice words to share on Twitter.
@SmileyTownz @realDonaldTrump that is truly horrible and Neil will have him dismembered as soon as possible which will be no loss at all— David Crosby (@thedavidcrosby) June 16, 2015
“@shar418: @SmileyTownz @thedavidcrosby @realDonaldTrump surely Neil didn't give permission?” No he didn't ..I checked this morning— David Crosby (@thedavidcrosby) June 16, 2015
Trump's use of the tune is hardly the first time a politician has upset a musician by using a song for a political campaign without permission. Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich were both criticized for playing "Eye of the Tiger" during their respective campaigns and Jackson Browne hated it when John McCain played "Running on Empty" during his doomed 2008 presidential bid.