After a version of their 1997 ‘Let Down’ was used by ICE, Radiohead issued a blunt statement condemning the US Department of Homeland Security.
Suggesting that people have been harmed by immigrants, the choral cover could be heard in the background of a social media video posted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) channel. The video ends with the phrase “This Is Our Why” along with the caption “Thousands of American families have been torn apart because of criminal illegal alien violence. American citizens raped and murdered by those who have no right to be in our country. This is who we fight for. This is our why.”
In response, the iconic musicians “demanded” the video be removed, adding:
“We demand that the amateurs in control of the ICE social media account take it down. It ain’t funny, this song means a lot to us and other people, and you don’t get to appropriate it without a fight.” “Also, go f*** yourselves…”
Radiohead’s post came days after the band’s guitarist Jonny Greenwood shared his personal displeasure that a segment of his Phantom Thread score had been used in Melania, Brett Ratner’s new documentary about first lady Melania Trump.
In a joint statement, Phantom Thread filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, said:
“It has come to our attention that a piece of music from Phantom Thread has been used in the Melania documentary.” “While Jonny Greenwood does not own the copyright in the score, Universal failed to consult Jonny on this third-party use, which is a breach of his composer agree.”
Saddened by the statement because he is a big Radiohead fan, Marc Beckman, who was a producer on the film and a senior advisor to Melania Trump, told Variety:
“It’s funny — Radiohead is one of my all-time favourite bands. For them to have come out publicly and distanced themselves, I think that’s just part of the unfortunate time we’re living in.” “We went out and created a nice film that doesn’t get into any kind of political policy or anything like that. The music at that moment is so perfect, honestly, I was so thrilled to be able to use it.” “We spent top dollars for all that music, and we’re thrilled to have that song included in the film.”
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: anyonlinyr