Jackson Browne doesn't want John McCain running on anything fueled by his lyrics.
The singer-songwriter sued McCain and the Ohio and national Republican committees in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Thursday, accusing them of using his song "Running on Empty" without his permission.
The lawsuit claims the song's use was an infringement of his copyright and will lead people to conclude he endorses McCain. The suit says Browne is a lifelong liberal who is as well-known for his music as for being "an advocate for social and environmental justice."
The advertisement mocks Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's contention that if U.S. drivers got regular tuneups and drove on properly inflated tires, they could save the same amount of oil that would be gained by offshore drilling. According to the suit, "Running on Empty" plays in the background of the ad criticizing the remarks.
Robert Bennett, chairman of the Ohio party, said the ad was pulled when Browne objected. He called the lawsuit a "big to-do about nothing."
McCain spokesman Brian Rogers disavowed the ad, saying it wasn't a product of the Republican presidential candidate's campaign.
Browne's lawsuit contends the Ohio Republican party released the ad on behalf of McCain and the RNC. The RNC did not return a phone call seeking comment.
The suit notes that other musicians, including ABBA and John Cougar Mellencamp, have asked McCain to stop using their work.
Browne's attorney, Lawrence Iser, called the ad's use of the song "reprehensible."
The 59-year-old singer claims his reputation has already been damaged and is seeking more than $75,000 in damages.
Browne released "Running on Empty" — the song and an album by the same name — in 1977. According to the lawsuit, the album has sold more than 7 million copies.
Browne's financial success has aided Democratic candidates over the years. Campaign finance records show he contributed $2,300 to Obama's presidential campaign last year and $2,000 to the Illinois senator's campaign coffers in 2004.
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7 comments:
First, I doubt you needed another reason to say you hate McInsane. Hate is a strong word and not a very nice word! DON'T BE A HATER! and McCain didn't pick the music for the ad - and they stopped using it after they got the first letter from the attorney so they didn't have to file a law suit to stop the use - SO - Go lawyers! They get paid not matter what! I'm down with them making money. So I bet it gets settled with no one getting anything except the lawyers - and no money going to charity. It will just be over. That's my prediction. But them again, I could be wrong.
DONT HATE! It hurts your soul!
Me
Whatever!!! I hate McCain. He's a pig and a creep. Dont mess with Jackson.
Damn Shelly,
You make it sound like McCain requested to use that song, WRONG!! Don't be a hater girlfriend, he may be YOUR president for the next 4 years... Go back and use your liberal goodness to channel your energy towards doing good not being a hater, liberals are not haters. As for Jackson he has channeled his energy in a positive way and that is all that matters. By tomorrow nobody will even care.
Whatever x 2
Do you really think that I dont know all the details of what happened. What I did here was use a republican tactic. You know, the one where you blow shit completely out of proportion and blame the blameless and turn it on it's head. You know.
RIIGGGGGHHHHTTTTT!
Sandy
You just watch what they try to do with this Ayres (sp?)fella. It's the same thing.
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