Queen Guitarist Brian May Vows to Stop Donald Trump From Playing Band's Music

Trump
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks following primary elections on June 7 in Briarcliff Manor, New York. Queen guitarist Brian May has denied Trump permission to use the band's songs after 'We Are the Champions"... John Moore/Getty Images

Queen guitarist Brian May has criticized U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump after he used the band's 1977 song "We Are the Champions" as the entrance music for his victory speech Tuesday.

May, 68, said that permission to use the hit track was not provided.

"I've had an avalanche of complaints—some of which you can see in our 'Letters' page—about Donald Trump using our 'We Are the Champions' track as his 'theme' song on USA TV," May, the 68-year-old rockstar wrote on his website.

"This is not an official Queen statement, but I can confirm that permission to use the track was neither sought nor given. We are taking advice on what steps we can take to ensure this use does not continue."

He added: "Regardless of our views on Mr Trump's platform, it has always been against our policy to allow Queen music to be used as a political campaigning tool. Our music embodies our own dreams and beliefs, but it is for all who care to listen and enjoy."

One letter from an angry fan, Joyce Robalino from California, read: "I was listening to the evening news on CBS and they were carrying Trump's speech. I noticed that he is using Queen's 'We Are the Champions' to open his speeches now that he is the frontrunner. I am wondering whether this is with your approval..."

The Queen guitarist is certainly not the first musician to deny Trump permission to use his music. The Rolling Stones, Adele, REM, Neil Young and Aerosmith have all banned the Republican nominee from using their songs as part of his presidential campaign.

Queen will be headlining the Isle Of Wight festival Saturday.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go