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B.J. to Palin: You Give My Music a Bad Name

Posted Oct 15th 2008 1:26PM by TMZ Staff

Jon Bon Jovi just gave us a statement, bitterly complaining that Sarah Palin has been using the band's song during her rallies yesterday and today:

"We are surprised to hear that our song, "Who Says You Can't Go Home" was used by the McCain campaign at rallies yesterday and today. We wrote this song as a thank you to those who have supported us over the past twenty-five years. The song has since become a banner for our home state of New Jersey and the defacto theme song for our partnerships around the country to build homes and rebuild communities. Although we were not asked, we do not approve of their use of 'Home.'"

Jon Bon Jovi threw a dinner at his home for Obama -- $30,800 a plate. Bon Jovi is the latest to complain about McCain's campaign using songs. Heart, Foo Fighters, John Mellencamp and Jackson Browne have also griped.

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46. I'm sure they did not get the permissions needed to use Jon Bon Jovi's music. There are musical artists out right now that have sampled other artists without getting the needed permissions and ended up in some financial troubles. So to assume that McCain/Palin have done the right thing is ignorant. A lot of you can think that Jon Bon Jovi is over reacting but them using that song says a lot. It makes it appear as if Jon Bon Jovi supports McCain. It brings the assumption that they were given the permission to use that song. A person's music is personal and is an extension of that person. I'd feel the same way. Jon Bon Jovi doesn't seem to be desparate to gain fans so the "JBJ should be happy" or "flattered" doesn't seem to fly in this case. It's disrespectful and doesn't surprise me one bit that McCain/Palin would use someone's music without getting permission. They probably assumed the same thing that people assumed here... JBJ should be happy/flattered that we would think to use this song. I think not.

Posted at 4:37PM on Oct 15th 2008 by NW

47. Musicians need to get over their selves

Posted at 2:08PM on Oct 15th 2008 by Tia

48. To #37 qwicwted. Well, thanks for pointing that out. I was unaware that Bon Jovi sold the rights to their music to the RNC. In that case, Bon Jovi has no case.

Posted at 2:08PM on Oct 15th 2008 by Ben Dover

49. Jon Gay Jovi deep down is probably surprised himself that anyone would use one of his lame ass songs.

Posted at 2:11PM on Oct 15th 2008 by MEC1140

50. I didn't know I had to be a Democrat to listen to Bon Jovis music...I guess he needs to label his CD's "For Purchase by Democrats Only".

Posted at 2:10PM on Oct 15th 2008 by jimswinder

51. Dont forget they USED Van Halen as well (Right NOW!) at McCain rallies..... it seems the Republican ticket will always TRY TO ROCK like the DEMOCRATS -but will never get it! Rock n Roll was made for the working person- not trust fund babies!

Posted at 3:45PM on Oct 15th 2008 by new yorker

52. Oh Jeeeeez, Bon Jovi...stop with the NJ nationalism. I'm embarassed to be living in a neighboring state. NJ sucks.

Posted at 2:16PM on Oct 15th 2008 by sparkys nemesis

53. hey ruby-doo, NO they did NOT pay royalties for using those songs at rallies. the usage of copyrighted music usually falls under fair use which does not require payment of royalties.

do your research.

Posted at 2:15PM on Oct 15th 2008 by christina

54. $30,800 a plate? Hell! I could have gone to Rutt's Hut in Clifton ,Nj for some good hot dogs and rootbeer for under $10 bucks.

Posted at 2:16PM on Oct 15th 2008 by Mik

55. I'm getting really sick of hearing these sanctimonious rock stars piss and moan about conservatives using their tunes at rallies. Guess what, conservatives listen to music to. Sometimes even Bon Jovi records.

Posted at 2:17PM on Oct 15th 2008 by Jordan

56. Well...she will be going home after November 4rth. I think the song's quite appropriate.

Posted at 2:17PM on Oct 15th 2008 by Muzzles

57. I'm sure Obama has a special tax break for Celebrity endorsers.

I am not entirely against giving Illegal immigrants a form of I.D.; It's a good idea to know who is in your country.

Bon Jovi can go give himself a BJ.

Posted at 2:18PM on Oct 15th 2008 by All American Girl

58. Oh quit crying. You are a friggin' millionaire dude. How is it Obama has all these clebs backing him anyway. If he follows through with his statement of taxxing those making $250k and above all the celebrities will definitely fall into that category. Unless he is lying, and they already know this won't happen. Why would they support him knowing that. Maybe they should live in my shoes for ayear, and me in theirs. Then we can both gain a better appreciation for one anothers lifestyles.

Posted at 2:33PM on Oct 15th 2008 by ItsJustMe

59. GROW UP !!!!
Alot more to worry about in this country than using bands songs. The freakin music is blasted on radios and stereo systems everyday.
What they are worried about is people thinking they are affiliated with the Mcain/Palin party. Furthest thing from my mind when hearing the music.

Posted at 2:23PM on Oct 15th 2008 by Cry babies

60. First let me start by saying Bon Jovi has always been my favorite artist. Forget that, I am sick to death of the "Entertainment Industry" because they have a camera up their ass telling the rest of us how to think....I have never voted for a republician until now..I came across a saying somone wrote about Obama "the evil lives within". Look at his name his associations, where are his student loans? How did he afford his home? How did he afford to travel like he did? Attend the schools he did. Bon Jovi KISS MY ASS AND KEEP YOUR OPINIONS TO YOURSELF, I will not buy another CD of yours. Your are a bunch of puss...you have to attack a women? BE A MAN

Posted at 2:21PM on Oct 15th 2008 by Demo turned Rep

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