Introduction
Phil Collins to Trump Rally Organizers: Stop Using My Music
For more than five decades, Phil Collins has been one of the most recognizable voices in popular music, his work with Genesis and his solo career leaving behind timeless hits such as In the Air Tonight, Against All Odds, and Another Day in Paradise. But recently, Collins’ name has been making headlines for reasons outside the music world: his demand that political organizers, particularly those involved with Donald Trump’s rallies, stop using his songs without permission.
The Incident
During a rally held by former President Donald Trump, the unmistakable drum beat of Collins’ In the Air Tonight echoed through the speakers as the crowd cheered. For millions, the song is iconic, but for Collins, its use in a political context was not just unwelcome — it was unauthorized. His representatives quickly released a statement clarifying that Collins had never granted permission for his music to be used at such events and requested that Trump’s team immediately cease playing it.
Artists and Politics
Collins is far from the first artist to clash with political figures over music usage. Over the years, names such as The Rolling Stones, Adele, Bruce Springsteen, and Tom Petty’s estate have all pushed back against politicians who played their songs at rallies without consent. For many artists, music is deeply personal, tied to specific emotions, values, and life experiences. When these songs are co-opted for political messaging, artists often argue that it distorts their original intent.
Collins himself has generally avoided mixing his music with politics. His catalog focuses on universal human experiences: love, loss, social justice, and self-reflection. The idea of his songs becoming rallying cries for political agendas goes against the neutral artistic space he has tried to maintain.
The Legal Debate
At the heart of the conflict lies a complicated legal issue. Venues often hold blanket public performance licenses through organizations like ASCAP and BMI, which technically allow political campaigns to play a wide range of music. However, artists can file “exclusions” to prevent their works from being used in ways that imply endorsement. Collins’ representatives have indicated that they are pursuing this route to ensure his music is not connected to Trump’s rallies moving forward.
Fans React
Reactions among fans have been divided, though many expressed support for Collins’ decision. Social media lit up with messages from listeners who agreed that music should not be politicized against an artist’s will. Others argued that once music is released to the public, it becomes part of the broader culture and should not be restricted.
A Broader Pattern
The Phil Collins controversy highlights a growing pattern in modern politics: the unauthorized use of music as a tool for atmosphere and influence. While it may seem like a small issue compared to broader political debates, it raises important questions about intellectual property, artist rights, and the boundaries between art and politics.
For now, Collins remains firm in his stance. Just as he once sang about the weight of silence “in the air tonight,” his message to political organizers is clear: respect the music, respect the artist, and stop using his work without consent.