Allegedly Donald Trump is a serial violator of intellectual property rights. He has used the songs of many artists at his rallies including “Memory” from Cats (musical). A list of artists have taken issue with him and now Betty Buckley who performed the song is calling on Lord Webber to take legal action against the Trump campaign for using it. It strongly appears that he is using it without permission. After all if his campaign manager had asked I suspect Lloyd Webber’s company would have said No.
The song was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Trevor Nunn based on the poem by T.S. Elliot. It was written for the massive hit, the 1981 musical Cats.
What can you say about this? Trump allegedly is walking over the niceties of intellectual property rights. He does have a tendency to walk over things and sod the consequences. This appeals to some people – a lot of people. However, it depends what his is trampling on. Trampling over the culture of lying politicians is good but Trump allegedly lies himself.
Trump is dangerous. The world is less stable with him as the president of the US. I can sense a war looming in the not to distant future. It would not surprise me one bit if there was some sort of war within ten years between America (and perhaps allies), China and Russia.
In the meantime I agree with Betty Buckley. However, Lord Webber won’t sue Trump. Too much hassle. He should write to the campaign manager and ask him/her to stop using it – a cease and desist notice. I wonder if Lloyd Webber and Trevor Nunn asked permission to plagiarize the words of T.S. Elliot?
P.S. Trumps recent campaing gathering failed to attract supporters perhaps due to Covid-19. The stadium had a 40,000 capacity but 6,200 turned up. He must have been mortified to see that poor turnout. He blames fake ticket applications.
There are actually a few musicians who are supporters of Trump, such as Ted Nugent and Kid Rock. If feline-themed tunes are of interest to the president, I’m sure Nugent would be willing to grant permission to use “Cat Scratch Fever” at the rallies.
Speaking of feline-themed songs, there’s an Eighties big hair band called Poison that had a hit called “Look What the Cat Dragged In.” It might be another possibility, provided the band gives its permission.