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Today’s Music News: Donald Trump agrees to stop playing Neil Young song at campaign events

by Staff

June 17, 2015

Presidential candidate Donald Trump has agreed to stop using Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World" at campaign events. When the song played at Trump's campaign launch, Young shot back that he's (a) Canadian and (b) endorsing Bernie Sanders for U.S. President. "There are plenty of other songs to choose from, despite the fact that Mr. Trump is a big fan and likes Neil very much," said Trump's campaign manager. "We will respect his wish and not use it because it's the right thing to do." (Rolling Stone)

Courtney Barnett wowed The Tonight Show audience Tuesday night with a performance of "Pedestrian at Best." (Stereogum) See Barnett on Saturday at Rock the Garden.

Eau Claire musician Justin Vernon, best known as the frontman of Bon Iver, posted a series of tweets saying he's skeptical of the current direction taken by Apple, "the company that made me believe in companies." As far as streaming services go, he's "been loving Spotify," but thinks "cd's +lp's and tapes are still better." (Billboard)

A judge ordered Monster Energy Drink to pay another $668,000 to cover the Beastie Boys' legal fees in their successful lawsuit against the beverage company for using their music without authorization in a promotional video and remix. Previously, the group were awarded $1.7 million; the new award was granted in addition to that. (Rolling Stone)

The Dixie Chicks, who have largely been on hiatus since 2008, announced their first reunion and tour since a 2013 Canada jaunt. Next year, they'll play several shows at cities spanning Europe. (Billboard)

Florence and the Machine have agreed to replace Foo Fighters as headliners at Glastonbury. Foo Fighters had to cancel all scheduled European tour dates after frontman Dave Grohl broke his leg falling off a stage. (Pitchfork)

Kesha's lawsuit against producer Dr. Luke has been halted over a question of jurisdiction; a judge ruled that there's not sufficient evidence the lawsuit's contractual disputes center on California, where the suit was filed. The litigation may now need to proceed in New York, where Dr. Luke has filed a countersuit. (Billboard)

Though Courtney Love is supportive of the new Kurt Cobain documentary Montage of Heck, there's a newer one she's protesting: Soaked in Bleach, a documentary that reassesses the longstanding but legally dismissed theories that Love had an active hand in Cobain's death. (Billboard)

Pavement announced a series of vinyl rarities compilations that will begin with The Secret History Vol. 1, a double album to be released on Aug. 11 that will compile rare recordings made around the time of the band's 1992 debut album. (Rolling Stone)

Madonna fans were frustrated to discover that a Tidal-exclusive debut of her star-packed new video wasn't playing properly upon its much-hyped release. Tidal now says the problem has been resolved. (Billboard)

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