This is tragic. What ever will the McCain campaign do now? Rock relic Survivor has harshed Team McGrumpy for their uncool unauthorized use of the band’s song "Eye of the Tiger" from the movie Rocky 3.  You know, the synth heavy disco epic with the lyrics "It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the cream of the fight/Risin’ up to the challenge of our rival…" Shudder.

Survivor guitarist Frank Sullivan has risen to the cream of this fight for artists’ rights and issued this statement:

Survivor has no affiliation with John McCain or Sarah Palin.They have no right to use ‘Eye Of The Tiger’ in any way as part of their campaign. Using our music without our permission can give people the impression that we are supporters of their campaign—this is not the case. In light of this happening before, we would hope that the McCain/Palin camp would go through the proper channels in asking for permission for use of the song. Obviously once again they have chosen to disrespect artists’ rights.

Other bands who’ve expressed legal outrage over the McCain/Palin’s unauthorized used of their music:

John Mellencamp: "Little Pink Houses"

Jackson Brown:  "Running on Empty"

Van Halen: "Right Now"

Heart: "Barracuda"

Foo Fighters: "My Hero"

We suggest the GOP candidate choose from this list of songs in the public domain, which includes the jazz ditty "Ballin the Jack" (not the be confused with the hard rock song of the same title by AC/DC) and"Hail Hail the Gang’s All Here."   Since he’d still have to clear the usage with the artists who recorded the song, he might want to consider having a traveling band touring with him. Or use "Oh Johnny! Oh Johnny Oh!"  Lawrence Welk has a version.