STOCKHOLM: The record label for iconic Swedish pop group ABBA said Thursday it has demanded that US presidential hopeful Donald Trump stop playing its music at his campaign rallies.
Universal Music in Sweden said videos had surfaced of ABBA’s music being played at at least one Trump event.
“We have demanded that (the material) be taken down and removed,” Universal Music AB told AFP in an email.
“Universal Music Publishing AB and (record company) Polar Music International AB have not received any request (to use the music), so no permission or licence has been given to Trump,” it said.
Swedish daily Svenska Dagbladet said its reporter had in July attended a Trump rally in Minnesota — known for its strong Swedish community — where “The Winner Takes it All” was played.
The reporter said the song was followed by a 10-minute video clip, projected on a big screen, of ABBA in its heyday playing some of its biggest hits, including “Money, Money, Money” and “Dancing Queen”.
The members of the band declined to comment further, a representative told Reuters, adding that they fully supported Universal’s statement.
With their catchy melodies and glittering costumes, Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anni-Frid - whose initials make up the name of the group - personified disco around the globe until they stopped performing in 1982.
The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Several artists, or their representatives, have objected to their music being played at Trump events over the years, including late American singer-guitarist Tom Petty, British singer-songwriter Adele, and rock band R.E.M.
In April, late Irish singer and activist Sinéad O’Connor’s label also demanded the Trump campaign stop using her music.
Canadian singer Celine Dion, opens new tab and her label earlier this month made a similar complaint, calling the use of her performance “unauthorized”.
