The Brian Aubert-fronted band criticize the Presidential nominee from the Republican party, stating, 'We don't like people going behind our backs, using our music without asking.'
- August 16, 2012
AceShowbiz -
Silversun Pickups sent Mitt Romney a complaint letter demanding the Presidential nominee from the Republican party to stop using their song. The band's members were furious when learning that their 2009's hit single "Panic Switch" was played in his campaign without their permission.
"We don't like people going behind our backs, using our music without asking, and we don't like the Romney campaign," frontman Brian Aubert said in the statement on behalf of his bandmates. "We're nice, approachable people. We won't bite. Unless you're Mitt Romney!"
The lead singer continued, "We were very close to just letting this go because the irony was too good. While he is inadvertently playing a song that describes his whole campaign, we doubt that 'Panic Switch' really sends the message he intends."
The band's lawyer Tamara Milagros-Butler additionally said that it was important for politicians or any other people to respect "hard-working folks like them who have worked for years, and years and years building the value of their copyright."
"As the former governor (of) the state of Massachusetts, a graduate of Harvard Law School, and candidate for U.S. President, we're pretty sure you're familiar with the laws of this great country of ours. We're writing because we, like you, think these laws are important."
Giving an example of similar case, the attorney mentioned Jackson Browne's complaint against John McCain's use of his song, "They pledged in future election campaigns to respect and uphold the rights of artists and to obtain permissions and/or licenses for copyrighted works where appropriate."
Romney complied with the band's request, but his rep Andrea Saul said they never intentionally played the song. It was just coincidentally played when they were setting up an event for the campaign. She also noted that they had licensing agreements with BMI and ASCAP.
"As anyone who attends Gov. Romney's events knows, this is not a song we would have played intentionally," Saul stated. "That said, it was covered under the campaign's regular blanket license, but we will not play it again."
