The Republican presidential campaign is facing some harsh rejection from all of the musicians they listen to.
Silversun Pickups recently sent Mitt Romney a cease and desist letter because he’s been using the song Panic Switch at appearances without their permission. Now, the guitarist from Paul Ryan’s favorite band is saying that the Vice Presidential candidate is one of his least favorite people!
In an op-ed for Rolling Stone, Tom Morrello of Rage Against The Machine has labeled Ryan as “the embodiment of the machine that our music has been raging against for two decades.”
The guitarist acknowledges that Ryan has stated he prefers Rage’s sound to their songs’ lyrics, but doesn’t let him off the hook as he continues:
Ryan claims that he likes Rage’s sound, but not the lyrics. Well, I don’t care for Paul Ryan’s sound or his lyrics. He can like whatever bands he wants, but his guiding vision of shifting revenue more radically to the one percent is antithetical to the message of Rage.
I wonder what Ryan’s favorite Rage song is? Is it the one where we condemn the genocide of Native Americans? The one lambasting American imperialism? Our cover of F*ck the Police? Or is it the one where we call on the people to seize the means of production? So many excellent choices to jam out to at Young Republican meetings!
Don’t mistake me, I clearly see that Ryan has a whole lotta “rage” in him: A rage against women, a rage against immigrants, a rage against workers, a rage against gays, a rage against the poor, a rage against the environment. Basically the only thing he’s not raging against is the privileged elite he’s groveling in front of for campaign contributions.
It looks like Paul Ryan may have inadvertently enraged his favorite band! Although, we find it odd that Ryan would refer to Rage Against The Machine as his favorite band and NOT appreciate their lyrics.
After all, lyrics are a pretty substantial part of a band because — on top of the drum beats and guitar riffs — they are what separates one band from another.
Oh well. At least the Republicans will always have Ted Nugent in their corner!
[Image via WENN.]