The Smiths’ Johnny Marr Displeased with Trump Rally’s Use of Band’s Song

Politico Europe reports a recent stir in the music world as Johnny Marr, co-founder of the iconic British band The Smiths, reacted to the use of their song at a Donald Trump rally. The track “Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want” was played during Trump’s event in Rapid City, South Dakota, and at other recent rallies, including one in Laconia, New Hampshire.

Marr, who authored the song, expressed his displeasure on social media. Responding to a tweet about the rally, he stated, “Ahh…right…OK. I never in a million years would’ve thought this could come to pass. Consider this shit shut right down right now.” This incident echoes Marr’s past discontent with political figures using The Smiths’ music. In 2010, he publicly asked then-U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron to refrain from expressing his admiration for the band.

The use of musicians’ work in political campaigns, particularly without their consent, has been a contentious issue. In 2020, Neil Young filed a lawsuit against Trump’s reelection campaign for using his songs, although he later dropped the case.

The article also touches on Morrissey, Marr’s former bandmate and co-founder of The Smiths, whose political views have shifted significantly to the right since the band’s dissolution. Morrissey’s controversial statements over the years have alienated many fans of The Smiths. His remarks on topics ranging from UKIP and Nigel Farage to criticisms of China’s animal rights record have sparked widespread backlash.