It is sad that these hasbeen musicians can't get over themselves enough to dismiss this as the nothing situation that it is. I am disgusted at Ann & Nancy for their spineless, cry baby attitudes.

You don't see the

Spineless? What? Are you kidding? Their actions are the polar opposite of spineless. If I were an artist and my work was being used to promote something I didn't agree with, I'd do the same.

on that note, I think the reason everyone plays U2 is because they know U2 won't have a problem with it...and because they have suitable songs and are widely appreciated.

How many times has "We will rock you" (Queen) been used or other songs like it in political arenas. Like it's any reflection of their political views.
I've got published music, and I don't take myself that seriously.
They speak out because they think that the general public cares what there views are? Just like all the actors who feel like they HAVE to voice their political opinions...and the truth is
Nobody gives a S--t!

@Kelly - Do you know how much money is made by the surviving members of Queen everytime "We Will Rock You" is played? It's because it's used with permission for the most part, properly licensed, and there are fees paid on it. Heart's point is two-fold a) they don't want their iconic song used to promote the political agenda of a woman they don't agree with (their right and all the power to them), and b) and since you've "got music published" you should appreciate this point even more, the Republican party didn't get permission to use the music, they're not paying for it. If you write and record a piece of music you have the legal f--king right to give permission to use your music to whom you please.

For example, do you know how much money the Verve asks for to license 30 seconds of "Bittersweet Symphony"? $1,000,000.

@Gabi - First of all I think you're assuming that the surviving members of Queen are paid royalties. I'm not sure who owns the publishing rights. Unfortunately the composer(s) doesn't always hold the publishing rights, and doesn't always control how and when the music is used. Sir Paul McCartney is a good example.
Also, in the music business there is "Compulsory Licensing" which believe it or not, makes it where any one can record and release another artists work. The polite thing is of course to get permission- but it's not required.
Then of course royalties would need to be paid-which is mechanical licensing and usually kicks in at a certain point.
Maybe Ann and Nancy Wilson own the publishing rights to their songs.
As a composer, when you share your music with the world...it's most likely going to get used in ways that you don't approve of all the time. But to me it's kind of like if your a celebrity, the paparazzi's going to take unwanted photos. If you're Tom Cruise, you can't always control the other entities associated with the movie you made. Although you may disagree with them.
I guess what bothers me most this is that...true, she should have requested permission first, but if Barack Obama had used the song...chances are, it would have been fine.
And I also feel like they used it as a chance to express their political opinion...which I don't want to hear. Why is it famous people feel they need to express their political views? Because they know that they have more influence over the public, then say you or I.
Btw, I haven't even decided who I am voting foryet.

I'm with Lala. Throw some spectacles on those girls and walah!, Hockey Moms.

@Kadgi- Are you naive? With fame, comes power through exposure...if no other way. If you don't think stars use their fame to support a political agenda-think again. I mean come on, Sean Penn going to Iraq...like he really knows something about what's going on there. And stars have loyal star struck fans, that are easily swayed.
I bet it floored alot of people to find out Adam Sandler is a Republican. Why is it when it comes to politics and religion, people get all idignant, like they're positive they are right.
You knew nothing about Barack Obama a year ago...now he's going to save the country? In one term?
When it comes to political issues, I think most people are naive. They vote for who they like, what party they are affiliated with or their parents, friends,etc
Or sometimes if a candidate is handsome, sexy...whatever.
And sometimes just their appearance is enough to influence how they vote, and whether they like or dislike the candidate. Are you going to tell me Bill Clinton has good character? Yet, they attack Sarah Pahlin's character because she has a 17 y.o. teenage daughter that is pregnant.
America needs to shift it's focus...education is a good place to start.

Alana, Kudos to you girl!!!
Enough said,well said, and lastly, well taken!!!

I have alot less respect for Heart now. I am very disappointed in them. They could have taken the high road here, yet they come across as greedy people more concerned about copyright law than sharing a great piece of musical art with the world. Actually this was free advertising, and a way to re-launch interest in that song, and in their band. What a bunch of miserable elitist musicians apparently going through some mid life crisis.

Well said Joe...Narfish, you are correct, and I was going to say that in my next response. It really is the responsibility of ASCAP/BMI to collect performance royalties...which is sometimes a futile effort. I know they have been going around to clubs the last several years trying to get the club owners and cover bands to pay royalties.
The bottom line is you can't stop the song from being performed...they can threaten...but you'll notice in the article, that even though they had requested it not be played ( they still used it the following night).
Here's an example of Barack Obama using a Brooks and Dunn song at the DMC
http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2008/08/only-in-america.html
Although the song was written by a Democrat...it was recorded by a Republican (Brooks) and had been used by the GOP and George Bush. But his response to the writer was ‘You had to endure George Bush using it, so it’s only fair that I would have to endure Barack Obama using it. They didn't freak out.
The point is this happens in both parties all the time...and of course Heart would have to freak out about it, and I can't help it's because they want to draw more attention to the whole thing, or it was a chance for them to publicly state their political opinion.
I mean come on, the song is 30 years old.

banjo

Celebrities need to get over themselves. I USED TO like Heart. Not anymore.

GO SARAH

They have every right to say f*ck you to whoever they want just like we do here. If I were them I'd say the same thing... f*ck you for using my song.

EXACTLY my point, Newscameraguy. Thanks for chiming in. The blanket licenses obtained do NOT cover this kind of use.