Nancy Wilson, the renowned guitarist of the rock band Heart, has spoken out against the unauthorized use of the band’s song “Barracuda” during a military parade organized by President Donald Trump on Saturday, June 14. The event, which cost an estimated $45 million, was held in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Wilson, 71, expressed her disapproval in a public statement, saying, “Earlier today, during a parade held in support of our nation’s military and organized by President Donald Trump, the song ‘Barracuda’ by Heart was played without permission or authorization from us.”
She emphasized the significance of the song and its intended purpose, stating, “‘Barracuda,’ written and performed by Ann and I, is a powerful piece of music that was never intended for political use.
As daughters of a U.S. Marine Corps major, we hold a deep and abiding respect for the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces. On a day meant to honor that service, it’s important that music used in such settings reflects not only the tone of the event but also the wishes of the artists who created it.”
Wilson also shared a photo of herself wearing a hat that read “No Kings But Us,” referencing the nationwide protests against several of Trump’s policies that took place during the same period.
Wilson denounces unauthorized song use
This is not the first time Wilson has spoken out against the current administration. In a March interview, she discussed the origins of another Heart song, “Crazy on You,” which was written during the Vietnam War era. “We were kind of embarrassed at that time to call ourselves American because of the dirty politics of the Vietnam War.
To be as subtle as possible, it’s more embarrassing [to be American] now,” she said. Pop star Lizzo also reacted to the unauthorized use of her song “About Damn Time” during the parade. In a TikTok video, she showed a clip from the event and made a disgusted face, captioning it: “cease & desist.”
The use of artists’ music without their consent in political settings has been a recurring issue, with many musicians striving to maintain the integrity and intended message of their work.
