Guitarist Johnny Marr, a member of the popular English group The Smiths, has expressed disappointment over the band’s unauthorized use of a song during a campaign event for former President Donald Trump. The incident occurred before the New Hampshire primary, when the song “Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want,” released in 1984, was played at a rally in Lacondia on Monday. The song’s opening verse, “good times for a change”, gained prominence at the event.
On Tuesday (23/1), the musician spoke about the incident on X (formerly Twitter). “Never in a million years did I think this would happen. Consider this shit over now,” he wrote. The band’s other living members, singer Morrissey and drummer Mike Joyce, have not commented on the incident.
The continued relevance of the Smiths
Known as a cult phenomenon, The Smiths split in 1987 and turned down several lucrative offers to resume live performances. With the death of bassist Andy Rourke in May last year due to cancer, hopes of a reunion of the original line-up are over.
Even so, the band’s songs remain in the media. Last year, several Smiths songs appeared in David Fincher’s film “The Killer”, marking the preference of the character played by Michael Fassbender. As for the song “Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want”, it is worth mentioning that it also achieved fame when it was part of a soundtrack: for the romantic comedy “Girl in Hot Pink” in 1986.
Artists against Trump
Johnny Marr joins a growing list of artists who have criticized Donald Trump for unauthorized use of their works. Names such as Aerosmith, Rolling Stones, Queen, Neil Young, Pharrell, Elton John and Adele have already expressed similar dissatisfaction. In 2016, during Trump’s presidential campaign, Elton John provided a simple reason to ban the use of his songs “Tiny Dancer” and “Rocket Man” at the then-candidate’s rallies. “I really don’t want my music to be involved in anything to do with the American election campaign. I’m English,” the singer said.
Ahh…right…OK. Never in a million years would I have thought this could happen. Consider this shit closed right now. https://t.co/M6eYROedOy
— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) January 23, 2024
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
