Tim Walz has permission to rock in the free world!

Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz has been granted permission by iconic rocker Neil Young to use his hit song “Rockin’ in the Free World” as his entrance theme at this year’s Democratic National Convention. The track, from Young’s acclaimed 1989 album Freedom, will serve as a powerful backdrop for Walz’s campaign.

This approval from Young contrasts sharply with his stance toward Donald Trump, for whom he filed a $150,000 copyright infringement lawsuit. Young had explicitly denied Trump permission to use the song, criticizing the campaign as “divisive” and “un-American.” He emphasized that his legal action was not a condemnation of voters but a stand against the misuse of his music for what he views as a campaign of ignorance and hate.

In a related issue, Beyoncé also confronted Trump’s campaign for using her song “Freedom” without permission. The campaign has since removed the video featuring the track after Beyoncé threatened legal action.

Recently, Neil Young has focused on his own projects, including the release of volume 3 of the Neil Young Archives, which features a wealth of previously unreleased recordings.

Josie Ravan

My name is Josie! Lover of music, video games, and other silly stuff. I also own too many plushies.