The band Katrina & the Waves issued a statement yesterday saying that “they do not endorse” use of their song “Walking on Sunshine” and “have instructed their lawyers accordingly” after the Minnesota congresswoman played it at rallies in Iowa and South Carolina, On Tuesday, Tom Petty contacted the Bachmann campaign to protest that she had played “American Girl” at her announcement rally in Waterloo, Iowa.
Katrina Leskanich, lead singer of “Katrina & the Waves”, told “Rolling Stone” magazine that the son was “the one constant in my life and the one thing I can count on to bring happiness to myself and others”.
It was “used in commercials and movies as a vehicle for a feel good moment or empowerment but if I disagree with the policies, opinions or platforms for its use, I’ve no choice but to try and defend the song and prevent its misuse”.
She added: “Music can be both powerful and moving and sometimes even a little dangerous.”
“American Girl” is perhaps best known for its use in scene in “Silence of the Lambs” in which a politician’s daughter is abducted by the serial killer Hannibal Lecter. It was also a campaign trail favourite of Hillary Clinton in 2008.