Home : Celebrity Justice, Prez Election 2008, Politix : McCain: Jackson Browne Used Me!

McCain: Jackson Browne Used Me!

Posted Nov 19th 2008 12:40PM by TMZ Staff

John McCain claims kook-rocker Jackson Browne pitched a fit over the candidate's use of the song "Running on Empty" for one reason -- to make sure Browne's new album won't be running on empty.

Jackson sued John back in August over the Prez-seeker's use of his song in an Ohio campaign ad about gas prices. Now, McCain's lawyers filed a response, saying Jackson complained so he could get press to promote his new album, which came out a month later.

J-Mac also makes the argument he could use the tune whenever and where he wants because he was running for Prez, not trying to make a buck off it. If the court buys this "political speech as public interest" claim, it pretty much means curtains for a bunch of other musicians who were PO'd about their songs being used by the GOP.

Tags: Jackson Browne, JacksonBrowne, John McCain sued, JohnMccainSued, Running on Empty, RunningOnEmpty

Comments [68]

SHARE |

Email 4ie6

Reader Comments

(Page 2 of 5) Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

16. This lawsuit is frivolous and a waste of taxpayer money. Give him his $.04 per use ASCAP royalty, plus $1.20 for pain and suffering and send him home to beat his wife. Then rap McCain on the knuckles with a ruler and make him stand in the corner singing Beat It until he passes out. Does anybody really think Browne personally gives permission to every radio station or outlet (excluding commercial advertising) that plays his music? Look up Fair Use, Copyright Law and ASCAP policies and use tracking. And I seriously, seriously doubt any court would find this "as defiling as slashing a VanGogh.". Trivial.

Posted at 3:21PM on Nov 19th 2008 by ark

17. I'm really disappointed in Jackson Browne, 'cause I really like him and am still a fan. But I'm not with him on this one. McCain is correct, and he also should have been elected Prez instead of the speech giver. McCain has experience, but anyway, Browne should lose this one!

Posted at 3:26PM on Nov 19th 2008 by Squirrellygirl

18. JB beats women asks Joni Mitchell and Darrell Hannah.

Posted at 3:31PM on Nov 19th 2008 by NYCer

19. ummmm, no johnny boy, you were sued cuz it is a detriment to his career to be associated with you, palin, or the criminal neocon GOP in any way!!! i'd be pissed too if my name was somehow associated with mccain-palin and their evil, backwoods crowds----the dregs of american society!!! OF COURSE HE SUED YOUR SORRY ASS!!! get used to it, traitor!!!!!!!

Posted at 3:53PM on Nov 19th 2008 by kim

20. If McCain thinks that Jackson Browne used this as a publicity stunt what about all of the other artists who ordered him to stop playing their songs? An artist has a right to their property and the Repulican Party used it without authorization. Jackson Browne was the only one to hold them legallly acountable. Other artists should follow his lead!

Posted at 1:45PM on Jan 6th 2009 by Carol T

21. Kim, next time start by carefully inserting your finger into your rectum, and gently pushing your brain to one side before inserting the suppository. That should help with your wildly irrational outbursts.

Posted at 4:03PM on Nov 19th 2008 by ark

22. What a BS claim from McCain! his running for office doesn't change copyright and intellectual property protection laws! And I do think running for pres is a case of personal gain even if it isn't financial gain! what a douchebag!

Posted at 5:33PM on Nov 19th 2008 by orangina

23. The democrats won because of the Economy that they destroyed , but did Not get blamed for it. Jackson Brown elected the Socialist Democrat for Change . Jackson Brown and the Other Ultra Rich stars should have to equal distributed their money to all of us -because they elected socialists for change , of course they will not -HYPOCRITES

Posted at 4:07PM on Nov 19th 2008 by Jackson Brown and other Stars elect Socialists Democrats for change

24. TMZ Thats "Runnin on empty" Same name as my brothers boat.

Posted at 4:17PM on Nov 19th 2008 by Mik

25. orangina: 1) a small comical sub-species of orangutan. 2) a carbonated citrus beverage 3) a douchebagette. You be the judge.

Posted at 4:23PM on Nov 19th 2008 by ark

26. I use to like him but I now think hes a jerk. So McCain played his music, big freaking deal. It happens all the time. I wouldn't surprised if McCain has it right.

Posted at 4:27PM on Nov 19th 2008 by Reine

27. That got damn Mccain stays in all kinds of Sh@T!

Posted at 4:34PM on Nov 19th 2008 by Queen Kong

28. typical GOP abuse of power and disregard. Personally will contribute to Browne's legal fund if needed!

Posted at 4:37PM on Nov 19th 2008 by medeak

29. Heart, Boston, Foo Fighters... HELL EVEN FOX NEWS all sent cease desist letters to McCain campaign which were ignored. HOPE GOP FUNDS WILL BE RUNNING ON EMPTY and they all file suit

Posted at 5:19PM on Nov 19th 2008 by medeak

30. You know when these artisit let people like Obama use their song, they write it off on their taxes for what royalties they lost by donating it. And Jackson should be glad anyone even wanted to use his song. I personally think all entertainers should keep their mouths shut on politics if everyone running agrees not to use their songs or faces. Entertainers are like most other voters , they know nothing about what goes on in poitics or even who any of the players are. And thye are players in a game for OUR MONEY & FREEDOM. So we had better get in the game and learn about our constitution and founders quick.

Posted at 7:16AM on Nov 20th 2008 by Shadowwolf

Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments