Tom Petty’s Family Blocks Trump from Using “I Won’t Back Down” in Rallies

The statement was posted on Tom Petty's official Twitter account. In the post, Tom's family notes the 1989 classic song being used in President Trump's campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Petty's family then wrote: "Trump was in no way authorized to use this song." They noted that his campaign leaves many Americans and common sense behind.

Both Tom Petty and his family, according to the statement, "firmly stand against racism and discrimination of any kind." His family added that the Heartbreakers' frontman would not have wanted his song used "for a campaign of hate." They stressed that Tom liked bringing people together.

Then, the Petty family said that Tom wrote "I Won't Back Down" for the underdog, the common man and everyone. The statement clarified that while they believe everyone can vote and think as they like, Tom's family does not stand for this. They expressed belief in America and democracy. However, they also stressed that Trump does not represent "the noble ideas of either."

"Concurrently, we have issued an official cease and desist notice to the Trump campaign," the statement ended. It was signed by both Jane and Dana Petty. Also, Tom's children, Annakim, an artist, and Adria, a director, had their names on the statement.

Born Thomas Earl Petty, Tom is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. He was also a member of the 80s supergroup The Traveling Wilburys. The legendary side project included his fellow icons, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, and George Harrison.

Petty passed away in 2002, at the age of 66, after an accidental overdose of prescription drugs. He died shortly after the conclusion of his Heartbreakers' 40th Anniversary Tour.

Musicians Pulling Out Their Music From Trump Rallies

Tom Petty's estate is the latest to prohibit US President Trump from using their music at his campaign rallies. Last June 6, Village People leader Victor Willis asked the president to stop playing their hits "Y.M.C.A" and "Macho Man." Willis' call follows their hit disco anthems played on loudspeakers at the May 31 SpaceX rocket launch. The event was attended by President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.

Even before Tom Petty and the Village People, several artists have already requested President Trump to stop using their music in campaign rallies. The Rolling Stones have already issued multiple statements back in 2016, with the president continuing to do so. In one of the band's Q&A sessions, frontman Mick Jagger explained that they couldn't actually stop Trump from using their music. "So, the thing is, when you appear in America...if you're in a public place like Madison Square Garden or a theater, you can play any music you want, and you can't be stopped," Jagger explained.

Other artists who have banned Trump from using their music include Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, British artists Adele, Queen, and Elton John, Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young, and homegrown stars Pharrell Williams and Rihanna.