Rock band Rush says Rand Paul's campaign can't use its songs

[ccharles000]

WASHINGTON -- In Web ads and at campaign appearances, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Rand Paul sometimes has called on the music of the band Rush to give his message a little pop.

It turns out the campaign wasn't using the music with the band's permission, according to Rush's attorney, Robert Farmer.

Farmer, general counsel for the Anthem Entertainment Group Inc. in Toronto, which is Rush's record label, has sent a letter to Paul campaign officials informing them that they have violated copyright laws -- and urging them to stop."This is not a political issue -- this is a copyright issue," Farmer said in an interview. "We would do this no matter who it is."

Besides, all three members of Rush -- Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart -- are Canadians, not Americans, he pointed out.

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100602/NEWS01/6020413/1008/NEWS01/Rock+band+Rush+says+Rand+Paul+s+campaign+can+t+use+its+songs

[Arkana]

1. And even if it WAS a political issue, why would it matter?

They have the right not to let ANYONE use their songs who doesn't have permission. They shouldn't have to justify it by saying it's a copyright issue.

[CanonRay]

2. I thought Rand believed in property rights?

[wilt the stilt]

3. laws don't apply to republicans

especially when it comes to people's songs and little boys.

[karynnj]

7. More than that he is named for Ayn Rand - what about respecting the artist's rights

to their creation. Unfortunately for him, not many of the best songwriters buy into his vision of "reality".

[treestar]

4. Republicans never learn

They should know by now that there are only about 3 rock artists that would let them use their songs.

[KingFlorez]

5. A Libertarian thief

That's quite the oxymoron.

[NICO9000]

6. Interesting since Neal Peart used to mention Ayn Rand a lot in the 70s/80s

I recall he said a lot of his lyrics were inspired by her books back in the day. Maybe he's changed his opinions over the years? Sure hope so as i love the band.