Introduction
Phil Collins Demands Trump Campaign Stop Using His Music at Rallies
In a world where music and politics often collide, the latest clash involves one of rock’s most iconic voices: Phil Collins. The British singer, drummer, and former Genesis frontman has formally objected to the unauthorized use of his music at political rallies held by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to Collins’ legal team, his hit song “In the Air Tonight” was recently played at a Trump campaign event without permission, prompting the artist to speak out and demand that his music no longer be associated with any political messaging—especially one he does not endorse.
Music, Messaging, and Misuse
The controversy began when footage from a Trump rally circulated online, showing the crowd reacting to the brooding intro of “In the Air Tonight” as Trump made his entrance. The dramatic tone of the 1981 hit has long made it a popular choice for dramatic moments in pop culture. But for Collins, its use at a political rally—particularly one he did not approve—crossed a line.
Shortly after the video gained traction on social media, Collins’ representatives issued a public statement clarifying that the artist does not support Trump’s campaign and had not granted permission for the use of his music at any of his events.
“Phil Collins has never authorized and does not condone the use of his music for any political purposes,” the statement read. “Any use of his recordings by the Trump campaign is unauthorized, and we have formally requested it be stopped immediately.”
Why Artists Are Speaking Out
Collins is not alone. Over the past several years, numerous artists—from The Rolling Stones to Rihanna, Neil Young, and Adele—have pushed back against the Trump campaign for using their music without consent. The issue highlights a grey area in music licensing: while campaigns can legally play songs at public events if they have blanket licenses through performance rights organizations like ASCAP or BMI, the artists themselves can still object if the use implies an endorsement or harms their public image.
Legal experts point out that public association with a political figure—especially one as polarizing as Donald Trump—can affect an artist’s brand and legacy. For musicians like Phil Collins, who has remained relatively private about his political leanings, the unauthorized use of his music presents both a legal concern and a reputational risk.
Collins’ History with Music and Meaning
Throughout his decades-long career, Phil Collins has used his music to express powerful emotions, often steering clear of overt political commentary. Songs like “Another Day in Paradise” address social issues such as homelessness, while “In the Air Tonight” has been widely interpreted as a deeply personal expression of pain and betrayal.
Fans and critics alike noted the irony of the Trump campaign using “In the Air Tonight”—a song often associated with introspection and simmering anger—in a rally intended to energize political supporters. Many saw it as a tone-deaf appropriation of art without understanding its meaning.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The incident quickly became a trending topic online, with fans taking to Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to show support for Collins. Hashtags like #PhilCollins and #StopStealingSongs circulated widely, and many praised the singer for standing up for the integrity of his work.
Several major news outlets, including The Guardian, Rolling Stone, and CNN, covered the story. In interviews and opinion pieces, music critics questioned why campaigns continue to use songs without seeking artist approval, especially when so many musicians have already objected in similar scenarios.
The Trump Campaign’s Response
As of now, the Trump campaign has not issued an official response to Collins’ request. However, in previous similar situations, the campaign has often argued that they are within their legal rights to play songs as long as venues have the appropriate licenses.
Still, repeated objections from artists suggest that the issue isn’t simply about legality—it’s about ethics, artistic respect, and personal consent.
A Larger Conversation About Music and Power
The conflict between artists and political campaigns raises deeper questions about who controls art and how it should be used in public spaces. Many artists see their songs as reflections of personal or social values, and using those songs without context—or against the artist’s will—can distort their message.
In Phil Collins’ case, the frustration seems to stem not only from a legal standpoint but from a desire to remain apolitical or at least unaffiliated with a movement he does not personally support. At 74, the singer has been dealing with health issues and is largely retired from live performance. Yet his music still resonates across generations and continents. For that reason alone, he wants to protect how—and where—his work is used.
Support from Fellow Musicians
After Collins’ public objection, several other musicians showed solidarity. Mike Rutherford, his former Genesis bandmate, expressed agreement, stating in an interview that “music isn’t just background noise. It means something. And artists have every right to control how it’s used.”
Other artists chimed in on social media, applauding Collins’ stand and echoing calls for more respect between political entities and the creative community.
Looking Ahead: What Can Be Done?
There is growing pressure on performance rights organizations to allow artists more flexibility in withdrawing permission for political use. Some artists have begun adding clauses to their licensing agreements specifically excluding use at campaign events. Music industry watchdogs are also advocating for reforms that prioritize artist consent over blanket licensing loopholes.
For now, Phil Collins’ team has made it clear that further unauthorized use may lead to legal consequences. While no lawsuit has been filed yet, the singer’s representatives say they are monitoring the situation closely.
Conclusion
Phil Collins’ demand that his music not be used at Trump rallies adds to the growing list of artists taking control of their creative output in a politically charged world. His message is clear: music is not a tool for political gain without permission. And for those who value the power of art, his stand serves as a reminder that even after decades in the spotlight, respecting the voice behind the music still matters.