Johnny Marr, the singer and guitarist of the iconic band The Smiths, has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind. And this week, he’s making headlines for using his voice to stand up against something he strongly believes in – the misuse of his music by none other than President Donald Trump.
In a recent tweet, Marr expressed his frustration and demanded that Trump stop using his music at his rallies. He wrote, “Donald Trump, stop using my music at your rallies. I have not given you permission to use ‘How Soon is Now?’ or any of my music. Stop using my music as if it’s your own.”
This is not the first time that Trump has used music without the artist’s permission. The Rolling Stones, Queen, Adele, and many others have also spoken out against the President for using their songs at his events. And now, Johnny Marr is joining the ranks of these artists in standing up against this misuse of his music.
Marr’s song “How Soon is Now?” is an iconic track that has stood the test of time and is still loved by fans all over the world. Its unique sound and Marr’s haunting vocals have made it a staple in The Smiths’ discography and have solidified its place in music history. And now, it is being used without the artist’s consent for political gain.
In his tweet, Marr also added, “Consider this shut right down.” And this statement perfectly captures his stance on the issue. Marr is not willing to let his music be used for any political agenda, especially one that goes against his personal beliefs. And he’s not afraid to take a stand and shut it down.
The Smiths’ music has always been known for its thought-provoking lyrics and messages of social and political commentary. So, it’s no surprise that Marr would not want his music to be associated with someone whose views and actions go against everything he stands for.
It’s also worth noting that Marr is not the only member of The Smiths who has spoken out against Trump. Lead singer Morrissey has also been vocal about his disapproval of the President and his policies. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Morrissey stated, “I would do anything for Hillary Clinton. Anything. I am with her. I’ve been following her for 30 years. She’s the best thing that’s happened to America. She’s the only hope.” And it seems like Marr shares this sentiment with his bandmate.
This is not the first time that musicians have demanded that their music not be used by politicians. In fact, it has become somewhat of a trend in recent years for artists to speak out against the use of their music by politicians they do not support. And it’s heartening to see artists like Marr using their platform to take a stand and make their voices heard.
It’s also important to note that this issue goes beyond just one artist’s music being used without permission. It’s about the bigger picture of artists’ rights and the respect that should be given to their work. Artists pour their heart and soul into their music, and it’s not fair for it to be used for a political agenda without their consent.
In the past, Trump has responded to similar requests from artists by simply finding new music to use. For example, when Neil Young asked him to stop using his song “Rockin’ in the Free World,” Trump complied but still seemed to miss the point. In a statement, he said, “I love Neil Young. He’s a great guy. I just didn’t know it was his song.” This shows a lack of understanding and respect for the artist’s work and their wishes.
But with Johnny Marr’s firm and direct tweet, it’s clear that he will not back down until his music is no longer associated with Trump’s rallies. And it’s a reminder to all of us that artists have the right to control how their work is used, and that should always be respected.
In conclusion, Johnny Marr’s demand to Donald Trump to stop using his music is not just about a song being played at a rally. It’s about standing up for what you believe in and not letting your art be used for something you do not support. Marr’s tweet is a powerful message, and it’s one that we should all take note of. So, let’s all join Marr in saying, “Consider this shut right down.”
