GOP presidential hopeful Donald Trump says he will stop using AEROSMITH’s 1973 breakthrough hit, “Dream On”, at his campaign events.
AEROSMITH singer Steven Tyler’s attorneys sent a cease-and-desist letter to the campaign, claiming that Trump does “not have our client’s permission to use ‘Dream On’ or any of Tyler’s other songs” and that it “gives the false impression that he is connected with or endorses Mr. Trump’s presidential bid… We are unaware of any public performance license granting Trump For President the right to perform ‘Dream On’ in connection with the campaign. If Trump For President has any such license, please forward it to our attention immediately.”
Trump tells TMZ that he has read the cease-and-desist letter from Tyler’s lawyer, but claims that he bought the right to use the song, along with many other tunes, in public assemblies. But since Tyler has been “such a good friend and supporter over the years,” according to the gossip site, Trump says he will no longer use the track.
Trump was given 24 hours to acknowledge receipt of the letter, with Tyler’s team specifying: “If Trump For President does not comply with our demands, our client will be forced to pursue any and all legal or equitable remedies which our client may have against you.”
Steven Tyler is a registered Republican and attended the first GOP debate back in August. The Hollywood Reporter posted that Tyler’s attorney, Dina LaPolt, explained that Tyler’s problem with Trump’s use of the song goes beyond politics, and has to do with copyright control. “Steven works tirelessly with both Republicans and Democrats regarding copyright reform and his position has always been consistent regarding copyright and intellectual property,” she wrote. “Simply, one must get permission from the music creators. Steven wrote 100 percent of ‘Dream On’, and this is about the unauthorized use of his property.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Tyler and Trump are friendly: “Tyler was once a judge at Trump’s Miss USA pageant and they reportedly once traveled to Russia together.” Trump tweeted about attending an AEROSMITH concert and raved about the show.
Both Neil Young and R.E.M. have publicly slammed Trump during the campaign for using their music at their events.
Source: Blabbermouth
