Why does McCain think it is okay to use rock songs without the artist's permission?

Question

First Jackson Browne and now Van Halen?

Seems like he is out of touch. These bands do not endorse him and did not give him permission to use their songs.

Answer 1

Go figure.....

You'd think he'd be up on getting permission from an artist first....but I guess his campaign has other things on their mind..you know like getting elected.

Answer 2

Depends, I guess.  If these artists are so offended at the use of their material, and they still own the RIGHTS to that material, why aren't they suing the McCain Campaign for infringement?

IF they really are offended, and didn't give permission.

Of course, perhaps they no longer own the rights to that material (many artists DO NOT own their material).  In which case, the McCain campaign would not have to seek their approval.

It's all just business.

And, for the artists in question, any publicity is good publicity.

And maybe they're not all that offended, at all.

Edit:  Just so you know, I doubt Van Halen is all that offended.  Sammy Hagar is performing at the GOP festivities at their convention, and Eddie Van Halen is a strong and steadfast Republican.  Like I said....publicity.

Edit 2:  Reading some of these answers, something else needs to be said.  Why do you think the selection of music reflects upon McCain?  Do you think he so micro-manages his campaign that he would even KNOW whether permissions had been sought, or not?

If you say yes, he would know; then surely you would have to agree that Obama would also know everything going on in his campaign, right?

That means Obama knew (and approved) the meeting of Goolsbee with the Canadian Consulate to prepare them for unfavorable things Obama might say about NAFTA.  And Obama knew (and approved) that his foreign policy advisor met with Hamas (during the primaries).  And Obama knew (and approved) everything Rev. Wright (who was part of his campaign staff) said and did.

So.....which is it?  McCain is responsible for his campaign's selection of music, and Obama is responsible for his campaign's under-the-table meetings and "hate America" beliefs?

Or neither is responsible for the action of others?

In which case, this question is moot.

Answer 3

Sammy Hagar is performing at the GOP Convention..he IS Van Halen.

Answer 4

because he is using songs that have been *released*....

go look that up Gomer.

Answer 5

And of course you miss the notion that most bands do not actually OWN the rights to their songs...the labels do.  If they got permission from the labels, they don't need it from the bands.

The Warlock

Answer 6

Because he is a thief like his wife, Cindy

Answer 7

because he's rich, so he thinks he can do whatever he wants.

Answer 8

does it matter

Answer 9

Because he is out of touch

Answer 10

The old man is senile get him out of here.

Answer 11

He should play music from his peer group like Perry Como, Bill Haley and the Comets and The Four Lads.

Answer 12

He got permission form stuanch Repulican and NRA memeber Eddie.

Answer 13

why would he care?

He probably has no idea what he's doing he's obviously got dementia or Alzheimer's  

I dont see why anyone would vote for a man who's 72 has had cancer 4 times and chose a vp that has less experience than Obama that probably would be prez after a year

Answer 14

I was talking about this to a friend the other day,

This is just my opinion, but this is why I think most Artists and media personalities don't won't to be associated with McCain,

Fr'instance a singers popularity may go down if fans feel that this particular singer endorses McCains low values and people stop buying their records.

And just to prove that point , the message McCain is sending if his using songs to endorse himself without their consent - is of someone with low morals.