Daily London
Former Men at Work frontman Colin Hay has condemned the use of his 1981 hit Down Under at March for Australia rallies, telling organisers and attendees to “go write your own song”.
That song has been hijacked by some anti-immigration demonstrators and played at their rallies.
Hay has criticised their use of his song, which he said did not align with its meaning or intent.
“Let me say that I most strenuously disapprove of any unauthorised, unlicensed use of Down Under, for any ‘March For Australia’ events,” he said in a statement posted on social media.
“Down Under, a song I co-wrote, does not belong to those who attempt to sow xenophobia within the fabric of our great land, our great people.
“Down Under is ultimately a song of celebration. It’s for pluralism and inclusion; unity, not division.
“Go write your own song, leave mine alone.”
The artist signed off his statement with: “Colin Hay (immigrant).”
Hay is not the first artist to come out and denounce the use of his song at March for Australia events.
Country music singer John Williamson and punk rock band The Living End have publicly criticised the use of their music at the rallies, while PR representatives for Jimmy Barnes and Icehouse have said no approval was sought or granted to play their music at the same events.
“To be absolutely clear, the goals and philosophies of these marches are abhorrent to us, and we don’t support them in any way,” The Living End said.
“Our songs are written to bring people together, not to divide them, and especially not to be used in this way.
“In summary: F— Nazis.”
Williamson said: “True Blue is a song for all Australians and should not be hijacked by any group that seeks to use the song to sow division.
“I believe in a multicultural society – one where all Australians come together in unity to celebrate our unique multicultural nature and freedoms.”
