Gingrich Sued For Using Survivor's "Eye Of The Tiger"

By Samantha Abernethy in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 31, 2012 4:40PM

In his desire to rise up, back on the street, Newt Gingrich took his chances on Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" as his campaign theme. Rude Music, Inc., and its owner Frank Sullivan filed a lawsuit against GOP candidate Gingrich for using the 1982 hit from the Rocky III soundtrack at his campaign rallies since 2009. Sullivan was a founding member of Chicago-based band Survivor, and he says Gingrich should know better. The Chicago Tribune writes:

In a lengthy section of the five-page complaint, Rude's attorneys point out that Gingrich is well aware of copyright laws, noting he is listed as author or co-author of more than 40 published works and has earned between $500,000 to $1 million from Gingrich Productions, a company that sells his written work, documentaries and audio books.

Perhaps it's just the thrill of the legal fight, rising up to the challenge. So many times, it happens too fast. You trade your legal homework for glorious, adrenaline-pumping tunes.

Did Republicans learn nothing about campaign music from Ronald Reagan? During the 1984 election, Reagan's campaign found itself embroiled in a public relations disaster when they failed to find out if union-lover Bruce Springsteen cared if they used "Born in the U.S.A." Better yet, they misunderstood what the song is really about: "the ferocious cry of an unemployed Vietnam veteran."

In June 2011, Tom Petty had to tell Michele Bachmann to quit using his "American Girl." During the 2008 election, the band Heart had to tell Sarah Palin to stop playing "Barricuda." Jackson Browne had to tell John McCain to stop playing "Running on Empty." Just months before McCain had gotten in trouble with John Mellencamp for using his songs. Ron Paul uses Darth Vader's theme "The Imperial March" when he enters a campaign rally. He hasn't been sued by John Williams... yet.