Neil D Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Jackson Browne sues McCain, RNC over song in ad 08/15/2008 12:00 AM, AP 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. ___ Quote Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve. George Bernard Shaw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olger Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 A pop singer is a liberal? What IS this world coming to? Quote "Please don't feed the drama queens.." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Shane Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Rush Limbaugh has dealt with this issue as many artists have not wanted him to play their music on his show. Although, many artists don't own the rights to their music. I don't think Rush has gotten into any trouble as long as he quit using the song after being notified. He, and anyone, using music has to pay royalty fees. In some instances, the artists didn't realize Rush was using their music until they started receiving royalty fees for it. Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olger Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 I believe you can play up to seven seconds of a song without having to pay royalties. Ever heard of that? Quote "Please don't feed the drama queens.." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Bravus Posted August 16, 2008 Moderators Share Posted August 16, 2008 Can Rush play Rush? Quote Truth is important Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kountzer Posted August 17, 2008 Share Posted August 17, 2008 Hey Bravus, are you familiar with the led zeppelin song "ten years gone"? I've been hearing that song for years, but never knew the name of it till just this week. Beautiful song. Not a christian song, but beautiful nonetheless. DB Quote I prayed for twenty years but received no answer until I prayed with my legs. Frederick Douglass Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Bravus Posted August 17, 2008 Moderators Share Posted August 17, 2008 Not sure I am - should check it out. I really only know Zep's big hits... I hope the McCain campaign has apologised and made restitution for using an artist's intellectual property without permission. Quote Truth is important Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Shane Posted August 17, 2008 Share Posted August 17, 2008 From what I understand, one doesn't need to ask permission as long as they pay the royalty fees. That is what has happened with Rush Limbaugh. The artist or owner of the copyright doesn't even know Rush is using the song until they receive payment for the royalty. Imagine if every DJ would have to ask permission before playing a song. They just play it and pay the royalty. Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amelia Posted August 17, 2008 Share Posted August 17, 2008 How Music Royalties Work http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/music-royalties6.htm Quote <p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">"Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you."</span></span> Eph 4:29</span><br><br><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetemp_both/US/OR/Fairview.gif" alt="Fairview.gif"> Fairview Or</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Bravus Posted August 17, 2008 Moderators Share Posted August 17, 2008 I'm no expert in this area, but I think using music in an ad is treated differently, and negotiated separately, from just playing a song on the radio. I remember various flaps over the years with artists like Bob Dylan allowing, or refusing to allow, their music to be used in ads. Quote Truth is important Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Shane Posted August 17, 2008 Share Posted August 17, 2008 That may be and Rush Limbaugh isn't using the music in an ad. However laws for political ads is likely different than laws for commercial ads too. Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.