Australian rock legends Hoodoo Gurus have launched a scathing attack on One Nation and its leader Pauline Hanson for using their music without authorisation. The iconic Sydney band issued a blistering statement on social media this week, directly confronting the political party over the unauthorised playback of their songs.
Band's Fiery Social Media Condemnation
The controversy erupted when Hoodoo Gurus discovered their music had been played at an Australia Day rally in Brisbane where Pauline Hanson appeared. The band responded with unequivocal condemnation on their official social media channels, leaving no doubt about their position.
"We were disgusted to hear that one of our songs was played by a bunch of wannabe fascists yesterday (One Nation)," the band declared in their statement. "Like most Australians, we have always been appalled by Pauline Hanson and the toxic nonsense she spouts."
Clear Message to Hanson and Supporters
The band delivered an uncompromising directive to the political figure and her followers: "This is our message to her and her followers: don't play our music, don't listen to our band, do not pass go! We want nothing to do with you."
Their statement concluded with particularly harsh language, emphasising their complete rejection of any association: "In fact, we wouldn't piss on you if you were on fire."
Band's Political Engagement History
This isn't the first time Hoodoo Gurus have engaged with Australian political issues. The band, which rose to fame with their 1984 debut album Stoneage Romeos and earned ARIA Hall of Fame recognition for hits like What's My Scene? and Come Anytime, has previously shown support for progressive causes.
Following their most recent album release in 2022, the band joined Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on stage at the West Says Yes event at Marrickville's Factory Theatre. This appearance occurred ahead of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum in 2023, demonstrating their commitment to specific political movements.
Growing Trend of Artists Speaking Out
The Hoodoo Gurus' statement arrives just days after another Australian music icon voiced similar concerns. Men at Work frontman Colin Hay recently condemned the unauthorised use of his band's global hit Down Under at March for Australia events.
"Let me say that I most strenuously disapprove of any unauthorized, unlicensed use of Down Under, for any 'March For Australia' events," Hay stated on Instagram. The Scottish-born immigrant, who moved to Australia at age fourteen and is married to Peruvian-born musician Cecilia Noël, emphasised the song's intended meaning.
Hay described the 1981 anthem, famously performed at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics, as "a song of celebration" that represents "pluralism and inclusion; unity, not division." His message concluded with a firm boundary: "Go write your own song, leave mine alone," signed "Colin Hay (immigrant)."
Broader Implications for Political Music Use
These incidents highlight growing tension between Australian musicians and political groups seeking to use their work without permission. The strong statements from both Hoodoo Gurus and Colin Hay demonstrate:
- Artists' increasing willingness to publicly distance themselves from political movements they disagree with
- Growing concerns about copyright infringement in political contexts
- The symbolic power of music in Australian political discourse
- Musicians asserting control over how their artistic creations are contextualised
As Australian politics continues to evolve, these conflicts between artistic expression and political appropriation appear likely to continue, with musicians taking increasingly firm stands against unauthorised use of their work by groups whose values they reject.
