Sign up to Roisin O’Connor’s free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music
Get our Now Hear This email for free
Last month, after the final Republican primary, Donald Trump walked on stage for his victory speech to the song “We Are The Champions” by Queen.
Fans were quick to criticise the band for allowing their music to be used by the controversial Presidential nominee, something guitarist Brian May was quick to address.
"This is not an official Queen statement, but I can confirm that permission to use the track was neither sought nor given,” he wrote in his online blog.
“We are taking advice on what steps we can take to ensure this use does not continue. Regardless of our views on Mr. Trump's platform, it has always been against our policy to allow Queen music to be used as a political campaigning tool.”
Donald Trump's most controversial quotes
Show all 14
Despite the warning from May, Trump once again used Queen’s music at the Republican Convention in Cleveland. This time, however, the band’s official Twitter account quickly issued a statement reading: “An unauthorised use at the Republican Convention against our wishes - Queen.”
At the convention, Trump used the song “We Are The Champions”, emerging from a cloud of blue smoke to the iconic track.
During the same event, Trump’s wife, Slovakian model Melania Trump, gave a speech; she has since been accused of ‘ripping off’ a similar one given by Michelle Obama in the run-up to Barak Obama’s presidency.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies