Members of Survivor, the band behind the 1980s hit "Eye of the Tiger," said they did not grant permission for politician Mike Huckabee to use their song during a rally on Tuesday for Rowan county clerk Kim Davis in Kentucky, TMZ reported.
The rally was meant to celebrate the Davis' release from jail after refusing to issue same-sex marriage licenses, according to Billboard. The rally was held in Grayson, Ky. and Davis walked out on stage with politician Mike Huckabee as Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" blared in the background.
Two members of the band have spoken out against the use of their song, which was made popular when used in the soundtrack for the film "Rocky III." Survivor front man Frankie Sullivan and Jim Peterik both expressed their anger that the song was used without their consent.
"NO! We did not grant Kim Davis any rights to use 'My Tune -The Eye Of The Tiger,'" Sullivan wrote in a post on the band's official Facebook page. "I would not grant her the rights to use Charmin! C'mom Mike, you are not The Donald but you can do better than that."
"I was very surprised and dismayed at the misuse of the song I co-wrote with Frankie Sullivan for Rocky lll," Peterik said in a statement released to Billboard. "The song has motivated thousands through the years to reach beyond their limits. Its use for the release of Kim Davis does not support my views or my politics. I have contacted my publishers to make sure this usage is stopped immediately."
The band may seek legal action, according to TMZ.
This isn't the first time a politician used Survivor's music without the band's permission, Variety reported. The band sued Newt Gingrich for using the same song during his 2012 campaign and the case was settled in September of that same year.
See Sullivan's Facebook post below.
NO! We did not grant Kim Davis any rights to use "My Tune -The Eye Of The Tiger." I would not grant her the rights...
Posted by Survivor Music (Official FB Page) on Tuesday, September 8, 2015
