The Eagles’ Joe Walsh claims song back from politician
The Eagles’ Joe Walsh claims song back from politician
Yep, they’ve done it again. Every publishing contract that I have ever signed obliges the publisher to request my permission if the song is to be used in a political campaign. Yet very often, politicians skip over that detail and decide to use music they like or think appropriate.
In a recent spat between The Eagles’ Joe Walsh and a politician of the same name, the composer has asked the politician to desist from using a re-written version of his song “Walk Away” as “Lead the Way”. The politician claims it is a parody, which I don’t think it is – it’s a clear re-write for political purposes.
It would be interesting to see what a court would say about this, but I doubt it will get that far.
Joe Walsh’s Own Foray into Politics
Walsh – the musician – is not unfamiliar with the world of politics. In 1980, he announced his intention to run for president. There was only one problem: Walsh was only 33 years old at the time, and the United States Constitution requires presidential candidates to be at least 35 years of age. Even if he had managed to secure enough votes (unlikely), he would not have been eligible to hold the office.
Walsh pressed ahead with his campaign anyway. His approach was straightforward. One of his most notable promises was to provide free gas for everyone. How would he do that? There simply would never have been enough fuel to meet demand, and the result would be economic chaos. Did anyone take this seriously?
In addition, Walsh also proposed replacing the national anthem with his own song, ‘Life’s Been Good’, which humorously touched on themes of drugs, drinking, and partying.
If at first you don’t ssucceed…
Not surprisingly, Walsh’s presidential campaign bombed, but he remained undeterred. In 1992, he decided to run for Vice President. As part of this campaign, he wrote the song ‘Vote For Me’ to serve as his campaign theme. Despite the song’s catchy nature, it failed to spark a flame, and his political ambitions were again unsuccessful.
The Intersection of Music and Politics
Musicians and entertainers frequently attempt to enter politics, showing confidence in their viewpoints and buoyed by the affirmation they receive from fans. However, Walsh’s experience was another demonstration that drawing crowds at concerts does not necessarily translate into votes at the ballot box.
One of the few exceptions I can think of is Italy’s Silvio Berlusconi, who had an early career as a smooth singer. But even in his case, it was not his singing career that actually launched him.
Nonetheless,I can safely predict that coming elections will include entertainers in the early rounds of elections.
There was a similar case in France recently, where the UMP party used a track called “Tous ceux qui veulent changer le monde” (all those that want to change the world) as performed by Marie Mai as a lipdub. They asked authorisation once and were refused by the label. They then contacted the writers and publishers (Luc Plamondon notably), paid the rights and used the wrong master. Not surprisingly, the label and performer sued them. So they’ll have to pay an extra €35,000 reportedly. As someone said, it’s probably the best-paid unknown song this year!
I just checked and these are indeed the figures being talked about. So the UMP party will have paid just under €70,000 for use of the song. Makes you think: who needs iTunes and new business models when bodies cough up money like that without a fight?
Michael