Blue Öyster Cult wants to clear the air about some things.
Specifically, they want to set the record straight about President Donald Trump’s usage of their classic song “(Don’t Fear) the Reaper” on social media.
In a post on his TruthSocial account on Oct. 2, Trump shared an AI-generated video that showed him in a dark cloak and hitting a cowbell (off-tempo) while Director Of The United States Office Of Management And Budget Russ Vought is portrayed as the Grim Reaper (notably, vice president J.D. Vance is on drums).
“Russ Vought is the Reaper/ He wields the pen, the funds, and the brain/ Here comes the Reaper,” they altered lyrics read.
The post garnered a lot of attention (and criticism), and prompted a response from the band.
“Let’s clarify a few things,” the group said in a post on social media. “Blue Öyster Cult was not contacted or notified in advance. The copyright in the song ‘(Don’t Fear) The Reaper’ is 100% owned by Sony Music.
“Blue Öyster Cult has no legal right to either authorize or withhold usage, which is 100% controlled by Sony Music,” the post said.
A number of musicians and performers have called out Trump for using their songs at his campaign rallies and on social media without their permission. The list includes Beyonce, Jack White, the Foo Fighters, Adele, Johnny Marr, and many more.
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