Nancy Wilson, guitarist for legendary rock band Heart, has forcefully condemned the Trump administration for its unauthorized use of the band’s iconic song “Barracuda” during a military parade held in Washington, D.C. yesterday, Saturday, June 14. The event, which celebrated the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and coincided with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, drew sharp criticism from Wilson and reignited a long-standing debate about artists’ control over their music in political contexts.
Taking to her social media yesterday evening, Nancy Wilson issued a direct statement, clearly outlining her objections:
“Earlier today, during a parade held in support of our nation’s military and organized by President Donald Trump, the song ‘Barracuda‘ by Heart was played without permission or authorization from us. ‘Barracuda‘, written and performed by Ann [Wilson, Heart singer] and I, is a powerful piece of music that was never intended for political use. As daughters of a U.S. Marine Corps major, we hold a deep and abiding respect for the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces. On a day meant to honor that service, it’s important that music used in such settings reflects not only the tone of the event but also the wishes of the artists who created it.”
Wilson’s social media post also featured a photo of her wearing a “No Kings But Us” hat, aligning herself with the “No Kings” protests that occurred across the nation yesterday, denouncing what organizers described as Trump’s authoritarian policies.
The military parade itself featured a significant display of military might, including armored tanks, artillery vehicles like HIMARS, various army aircraft such as Black Hawk helicopters and Apaches, and over 6,000 uniformed troops. Reports indicate that instrumental renditions of “Barracuda” and Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” were among the songs played during the festivities. While the parade’s cost was estimated between $25 million and $45 million, its attendance was reportedly overshadowed by millions who participated in roughly 2,000 anti-Trump “No Kings” demonstrations across the U.S.
This is not the first time the Wilson sisters have voiced objections to the political use of “Barracuda.” In 2008, they similarly protested when then-Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin utilized the song at the Republican National Convention. Furthermore, Ann Wilson previously told The Hill in a 2018 interview that while “Barracuda” could theoretically be used by various candidates in the 2020 election, she clarified her stance by stating, “I think anybody but Trump,” also confirming she “definitely wouldn’t” vote for him.
Nancy Wilson’s recent comments to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel this past March, where she expressed feeling “embarrassed” to call herself an American in the current era, further underscore the depth of her political disaffection.
