Politics | 09/08/2008 10:50 am

Rock Band Heart Asks Palin to Stop Using 'Barracuda' Song

By The Staff at wowOwow.com

Sisters Ann (left) and Nancy Wilson of

Heart in the early '70s/Wikipedia

Singers Ann and Nancy Wilson of the rock band Heart have called in lawyers after John McCain’s vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin used their 1977 hit "Barracuda" at a Republican Party rally.

Heart is just the latest band to ask McCain and/or the GOP to stop using their music at political events.

Palin, who used the track for her appearance at the Republican National Convention in St Paul, MN, on September 3, was nicknamed "Sarah Barracuda" while playing basketball in high school.

"Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart have informed the McCain/Palin Campaign that Universal Music Publishing and Sony BMG have sent a cease-and-desist notice to not use one of Heart’s classic songs, ‘Barracuda,’ as the congratulatory theme for Sarah Palin," the Wilsons say in a statement on their website. "The Republican campaign did not ask for permission to use the song, nor would they have been granted that permission.

"We have asked the Republican campaign not to use our music."

Nancy Wilson told Entertainment Weekly: "I think it’s completely unfair to be so misrepresented.

"I feel completely f—-ed over."

Both Wilsons then e-mailed a statement to Entertainment Weekly, again asking that "Barracuda" not be used to promote Palin’s image.

"Sarah Palin’s views and values in NO WAY represent us as American women," the sisters wrote. "The song ‘Barracuda’ was written in the late ’70s as a scathing rant against the soulless, corporate nature of the music business, particularly for women. (The ‘barracuda’ represented the business.) While Heart did not and would not authorize the use of their song at the RNC, there’s irony in Republican strategists’ choice to make use of it there."

BBC reports that the GOP says it obtained the necessary license to play the song.

"The McCain campaign respects intellectual property rights," spokesman Brian Rogers told Reuters. "Accordingly, prior to using ‘Barracuda’ at any events, we paid for and obtained all necessary licenses."

One of "Barracuda’s" cowriters, former Heart guitarist Roger Fisher, told Reuters he was "thrilled" with the "ingenious placement of a kick-ass song," BBC reports. But he later said he supported the Democratic ticket and would be donating some of the royalties to Sen. Barack Obama’s, D-IL, campaign.

Read more about: Barack Obama, Election, Heart, John McCain, Music, News, Politics, Sarah Palin

51 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

The GOP has also had issue with John Mellincamp, Jackson Browne, and Boston. It seems getting an artist’s blessing is not a concern. Beyond copyright - I believe politicians (their teams) SHOULD consider whether the artists SUBSCRIBE to their platforms before deciding to market their campaigns on somebody else’s art. I cringed to hear “Barracuda” cranking out of the speakers as Palin’s theme! A friend of mine said it best, “I was so shocked I dropped the book I was reading on my cat. I have the scars to prove it - McCain does not!”

By Pamela Detlor on 09/08/2008 10:56 am

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I believe that the laws for copyright infringement are as follows, and the girls from Heart should know this, (a artist to be compensated for each time a song, painting, video, ext. is used to profit FINANCIALLY, keyword FINANCIALLY. Listen to a song. if Nancy Wilson doesn’t like me that means every time I play one of her songs loud enough for anyone else to hear it I owe her extra money, the only way Palin could be held accountable for anything is if she stole the song from Napster. I am fairy sure that she has already purchased the Cd, She can play it anytime she wants for whom ever she wants. By the way McCains scars are that from war where he was willing to die for you…. You make me want to puke stay home on election day please..

By John Usher on 09/08/2008 8:45 pm

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There are different laws for playing while puking and playing on a national telecast.

By Sandbee (FB) 54 on 09/09/2008 7:48 am

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It’s not often I move someone to vomiting. Should I be flattered? To Clarify: McCain didn’t receive ONE scar on my behalf. I did not send him to Vietnam. I did not ask him to sign up for the military. I was not even born at the onset of Vietnam. I believe that war was an example of a misguided government gone wrong. I will not be out on election day - as I am not American. I pray that those who go out vote against McCain/Palin so soldiers, including Canadians, stop perishing in YET ANOTHER misguided war. As I said in my comment: BEYOND copyright - This is not about money. It’s about marketing a belief system with someone else’s art and not bothering to CONSIDER if they believe in what you are selling. Respectfully, Pamela

By Pamela Detlor on 09/09/2008 1:31 pm

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Brava! Pamela, and kudos to you for your comments. Thank you.

By Ro H on 09/10/2008 4:49 am

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We couldn’t be so lucky.

By Shellie G on 09/10/2008 10:46 am

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Pamela, You have the scars to prove it? What kind of lame comment is that?

By Lucinda Herbert on 09/15/2008 8:25 pm

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I said a friend of mine said, “she dropped her book on her cat - and has the scars to prove it.” This is what is known as a “joke” - Whether you thought it funny or not - you’ve misquoted me. You should get a job in politics - for the Republican Party - misquoting is an asset in that camp! Cheers, Pamela

By Pamela Detlor on 09/15/2008 8:45 pm

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Pamela, Boy you are testy and quite venomous! Take a breath or you just might short circuit.

By Lucinda Herbert on 09/15/2008 9:55 pm

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“You have the scars to prove it? What kind of lame comment is that?” I assure you I am quite a calm person. You seem be on the attack though - I merely explained myself. Thanks for the concern re my: “short circut.” However, there is no need to waste precious energy… you’ve once again misread my comment. You’ve mistaken sarcasm with a smile for being “testy and quite venomous!” You don’t know me Ms. Herbert - I don’t know what compels you to judge me? At the end of the day, I assure you, it is irrelevant to my life. Take your shots where you see fit :) Best Regards, Pamela

By Pamela Detlor on 09/15/2008 10:08 pm

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Ms. Detlor, Judging? I believe it was you who was doing the judging with a comment like “I have the scars to prove it - McCain does not!” I somehow missed the joke (not because I lack a sense of humor, but because it was just not humorous) — McCain, whether you support him or not, has some scars that more than likely you, nor your friend, nor I will ever have … Insha’Alla. And, by the way, I know I don’t spend any time spearing Stephen Harper or Paul Martin. And, with regard to being on the attack, I believe it was you who recommended, in an acerbic manner, that I should work for the Republican party. (I’m not certain how you should identify yourself, given that you’re a Canadian) … was that what you call sarcasm with a smile? I guess I missed the smile … it wasn’t all that evident. You are right; we don’t know each other. After many years of living abroad, however, I will impart to you a bit of wisdom — One never knows anyone well enough to criticize their country or their leaders. Any further discussion is a complete waste of my time.

By Lucinda Herbert on 09/15/2008 10:42 pm

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Ms. Herbert, We seem to be going in circles here. Let me assure you my tone here is calm and respectful. Clearly there is an element missing when communication is in writing. You may or may not be interested in my take on your correspondence – read on if you care to. Feel free not to. American politicans have lead the entire world into battle and bloodshed. The Canadian economy is also suffering. Canadian soldiers are also coming home in boxes. One Canadian soldier leaves my friend a single mother of two. The 2008 race for the Whitehouse will impact the world – of which I am a tax-paying citizen. I will keep my opinions to myself when WOW advertises that they are interested in American comments only. Feel free to hold Canadian leaders accountable for their actions. When a conversation arises about the blunders of my government I will happily weigh in on their rampant ills… there is no shortage. As to where I’ve lived and my life experience – you don’t know me: Therefore you are taking a leap to offer advice. I have also experienced lots of life and assure you I don’t seek advice from confrontational strangers. (Yes – you are coming across as very confrontational. Perhaps this is not your intension – again – some things are lost in text.) Once again, MY FREIND said: I have the scars to prove it – McCain does not – in parody of what McCain said about Obama: This joke was my friends response to Sarah Palin using “Barracuda” as her calling card. It was meant as humour (Canadian Spelling). Sorry you didn’t get it. Not sorry I wrote it down. Many people suffer scars of all sorts – some on the battlefield some in domestic wars. Bottom line: McCain is a war hero – he is not Jesus. I respect what he did in his life – it does not qualify him for office. I do NOT respect the lies/ half truths he and Obama are using to further their campaigns. You say: “Any further discussion is a complete waste of my time.” Yet it was you who came after me. Calling my comment “Lame” calling me “testy” and “quite venomous.” It appears now that your real issue is that I’m CANADIAN. IF your goal here was to tell me I have no right to comment do to my non-American status –I suggest that you should have just started there. If you are repeatedly attempting to get a rise out of me – I assure you it won’t work. As I said before – you are irrelevant to my existence as is your opinion of me. Of course this may not be the case - like I said “IF.” I will remain here – I will comment where I have an opinion. IF you feel too worldly and experienced to address me: DON’T it’s that easy. IF you feel I should shut-up because I’m Canadian: It’s not going to happen. Regardless of your seeming distain for me, I wish you well. That is truth – not sarcasm. Best, Pamela

By Pamela Detlor on 09/15/2008 11:30 pm

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Another fine example trampling over the rights of others as long as it benefits them. How thoughtless.

By Tee Zee on 09/08/2008 2:03 pm

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Boy some people have too much time on their hands to worry about this stuff……if the Reps, paid for and recieved License for the songs who cares???? I still remember when they played the Beatles I wanna Hold Your Hand-on the Senate (?)floor whle they all shook hands……..

By Lynn Marie on 09/08/2008 3:49 pm

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Boy some people have too much time on their hands to worry about this stuff……if the Reps, paid for and recieved License for the songs who cares???? But, Lynn, in all due respect, the issue is that the Republicans DID NOT ask for permission nor pay for the rights to use those songs. Jackson Browne filed suit over the matter. All copyrights must be respected.

By M L Staats on 09/08/2008 3:53 pm