Smiths guitarist rips Trump for using band’s music: ‘Consider this s‑‑‑ shut right down’

Johnny Marr performs at Helsingin Juhlaviikot Festival 2023 at Huvila-Teltta on August 23, 2023 in Helsinki, Finland.
Getty Images
Johnny Marr performs at Helsingin Juhlaviikot Festival 2023 at Huvila-Teltta on August 23, 2023 in Helsinki, Finland.

A member of The Smiths is vowing to get the use of the band’s music at Trump rallies “shut right down.”

A journalist reported Monday that the British rockers’ 1984 song “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” was playing ahead of former President Trump’s campaign event that night in New Hampshire.  

“I never in a million years would’ve thought this could come to pass,” guitarist Johnny Marr said in a message posted on social media on Tuesday.

“Consider this shit shut right down right now,” Marr added.

Several artists and musicians over the years have contested Trump’s use of their songs at campaign events.

Citing copyright laws, Neil Young brought a lawsuit against Trump’s campaign in 2020 after two of his hits, “Rockin’ in the Free World” and “Devil’s Sidewalk,” were played at a rally in Oklahoma. Attorneys for Young filed to dismiss the case later that year.

Other music stars, including John Fogerty, the Rolling Stones and Brendon Urie have also ripped Trump for using their music in ads and at campaign events during the 2016 and 2020 presidential races.

Tags Neil Young

Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.