Now this was a very cool move. As we previously reported, MGMT were involved in a legal scuffle with French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s political party, UMP, over the use of their song “Kids” in two campaign videos. The band were initially offered compensation of one euro for use of the song online, but their lawyers fought back, calling the offer “disrespectful” and “insulting.”
In a statement posted on their site last Friday, MGMT said the following:
Normally MGMT steers clear of mixing music and politics, but the fact that the UMP used our song without permission while simultaneously pushing anti-piracy legislation seemed a little wack. We believe that access to music benefits both the musicians and the fans, and has undoubtedly helped spread our music around the globe, while also expanding our personal musical collections. We didn’t want to be “typical Americans” and sue, despite the amazing monetary benefit and chinchilla coats and Navigators it would bring. Instead we’re using the settlement fee the UMP presented and donating it to artists rights organizations. Thank you France for the wonderful food. C’est bon. MGMT
Well played, gentlemen.