The Heavy: Nurtz to Newt's Song Theft

Would YOU steal a song from a gal wielding an axe like that? Another politician who wishes he could have licensed "Born In The USA" bites the dust.

By Blurt Colbert

So we all dig UK funk/soul/garage combo The Heavy, right? And their song "How You Like Me Now?" rocks, right? And everyone knows that Republican presidential aspirant (rhymes with: expectorant) Newt Gingrich is a major tool, right?

Figures, then, that the Newtster's campaign would borrow the tune for use at a recent political rally. As Prefix Mag is reporting, "You think [politicians] would at least double-check with the artist and/or their label first [before using music without permission]. But nope, they're still pulling shit like this, with the latest example coming four days ago during Republic presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich's rally in Tampa, Fla."

Needless to say, The Heavy issued a statement condemning the action:

Counter Records/Ninja Tune artist The Heavy has been wrongfully affiliated with a political campaign without their consent. Their song ‘How You Like Me Now?' was used - without permission - in Newt Gingrich's recent rally in Tampa on January 23, 2012. The majority of media has mistakenly credited it as a Toby Keith song of the same name. 

Counter Records/Ninja Tune would like to officially state that The Heavy do not endorse this usage, nor do they wish to be associated with any political party without consent. The band has requested that this usage stops immediately. 

A Montreal music publishing company, Third Side Music, has sent a cease-and-desist order to the Gingrich camp, asserting its rights to the song in North America. "Neither us, nor the band have particularly approved the usage of it," said Third Side's Jeff Waye, to Montreal's Global News.

As you probably know, the Keith track in question, "How Do You Like Me Now?", would clearly be Newt-esque, or at least highly Republican-esque, given TK's right-tilting legacy. The Heavy tune, however, would be awesome to hear at an Obama rally. Check out both original songs, below.