Van Halen to McCain: No You Can't

TMZ ^ | Aug 29th 2008 | TMZ Staff

[Red Steel]

John McCain used a Van Halen song during his big speech earlier today and the band wants to make to make one thing clear -- they're not running with McCain.

Van Halen management tells us the band had no idea McCain was planning on using "Right Now" during his big entrance in Ohio telling us, "Permission was not sought or granted nor would it have been given."

For the record, Dubya used the same song during a bunch of his campaign speeches back in 2004, but sources close to the band tell us, "They're not political, they're just rock and roll."

[rintense]

I knew they’d tell McCain to stop using it.

[cmsgop]

I see Ed and Alex are at it again, I know Sammy would allow this

[bahblahbah]

Dude... McCain needs to stop treading on the copyright... It’s kind of embarassing...

[Rio]

I wonder if they know that Todd and Sarah Palin’s son is named Trig Van Palin.

[FrdmLvr]

Too bad this “Van Halen” character isn’t going with the winner.

[pennboricua]

Mccain should dust off the old John Phyllip Sousa or George Cohen music, use them from now on and really piss off the democrats.

[rwilson99]

Got news for VH... if the venue has an ASCAP license they don’t have a case.

[GeorgeBerryman]

They need to change the song to Toby Keith's Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue.

[Chunga]

McCain can use the song. He’s not infringing on the copyright.

[TigersEye]

What luck that they were found in a semi-conscious state so they could issue a comment.

[Mad Dawgg]

If I understand how the copyright situation works Eddie can't stop anyone from playing the song if they pay the royalties to use it.

[The KG9 Kid]

Both times I paid to see Van Halen live in concert, they sucked.

[TigersEye]

More importantly than what Van Halen thinks about McCain...or anything...

Glen Beck is going to have Ted Nugent on his show for the full hour tonight.

[John123]

He’s not infringing on the copyright

What do you mean by this? Since this is a political event that isn't charging for anything... he can use the song?

[Perdogg]

They don't own song, Warner Brother does, so eff them!

Copyright Claimant: © ℗ Warner Brothers Records, Inc.

[smith288]

I didnt think they required permission to play them in intros? I heard a Alan Jackson song being played when Obama accepted his nomination and i doubt Alan is a supporter.

[ravingnutter]

They need to change the song to Toby Keith's Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue.

Ummm...nope, I don't think so:

Country star (Toby Keith) praises Obama

[wideawake]

If the publisher wants McCain to cease and desist, then he will.

But Eddie Van Halen has no say in the matter.

Maybe if he shut his yap a bit more his beautiful wife wouldn't have left his drunken, drug-addled carcass.

[rightinthemiddle]

Sammy Hagar would allow it...he’s a Republican.