Blue Öyster Cult issue statement after Donald Trump uses their song in bizarre AI-video
Blue Öyster Cult have issued a statement after Donald Trump used their hit song ‘(Don’t Fear) The Reaper’ in a bizarre AI-video
The president recently shared the visuals, which see an AI-version of Trump in a dark cloak and also features his Budget Director Russell Vought and Vice President JD Vance, on his very own social media platform, Truth Social.
In the clip, Trump hits the cowbell while Vance is on drumming duties. It also included lyrics on the screen attacking the Democratic Party, such as, “Dems, you babies, Here comes the reaper”, and “Gonna tie your hands, Cry baby end your plan”.
Now, in a social media post, Blue Öyster Cult shared their side of the story and “clarify things” in regards to the video before explaining how the use of ‘(Don’t Fear) The Reaper’ was ultimately beyond their control.
Firstly, they shared, “BLUE ÖYSTER CULT was not contacted or notified in advance.” The band continued, “The copyright in the song (Don’t Fear) The Reaper is 100% owned by SONY MUSIC.”
The rock group concluded, “BLUE ÖYSTER CULT has no legal right to either authorize or withhold usage, which is 100% controlled by SONY MUSIC.”
Blue Öyster Cult are not the only notable name to have had their work used without permission by the Trump administration recently. Last month, comedian Theo Von pleaded with the Department of Homeland Security to delete an unauthorised clip of him that they included in a video promoting deportations.
Taking to X, Von shared his anger at being used in the clip without permission and asked for it to be taken down, writing: “Yooo DHS i didnt approve to be used in this. I know you know my address so send a check. And please take this down and please keep me out of your ‘banger’ deportation videos. When it comes to immigration my thoughts and heart are alot more nuanced than this video allows. Bye!”
Meanwhile, earlier this week, Trump slammed the decision by the NFL to select Bad Bunny as the performer for next year’s Super Bowl, labelling the booking as “absolutely ridiculous” and “crazy”. He also admitted he wasn’t familiar with the Puerto Rican musician.
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