In a fiery clash between rock royalty and federal authority, Radiohead has unleashed a blistering demand against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for using their iconic song "Let Down" without permission in a politically charged video. The band's explosive statement, dripping with defiance, is sparking a viral firestorm over artistic rights and government overreach.
The Grammy-winning legends didn't hold back, declaring in a statement obtained by TheEntBase: "We demand that the amateurs in control of the ICE social media account take it down. It ain't funny. This song means a lot to us and other people, and you don't get to appropriate it without a fight. Also, go f--- yourselves… Radiohead." The raw, unfiltered language is already trending on social media, with fans and critics alike praising the band's unapologetic stance.
Radiohead's Phil Selway, Jonny Greenwood, Thom Yorke, Colin Greenwood, and Ed O'Brien. Gie Knaeps/Getty
The controversy erupted on February 18 when ICE posted a video on social media featuring photos of U.S. citizens described as victims of "criminal illegal alien violence," set to a choral version of "Let Down" from Radiohead's seminal album OK Computer. The video's caption read, "Thousands of American families have been torn apart because of criminal illegal alien violence. American citizens raped and murdered by those who have no right to be in our country. This is who we fight for. This is our why." ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have remained silent, ignoring requests for comment from TheEntBase.
This isn't Radiohead's first rodeo in battling unauthorized use of their music. Just last month, band member Jonny Greenwood and director Paul Thomas Anderson demanded the removal of music from their film Phantom Thread from a Melania Trump documentary, citing a breach of composer agreement. "As a result, Jonny and Paul Thomas Anderson have asked for it to be removed from the documentary," their joint statement revealed.
Radiohead perform at Firenzerocks Festival in Florence on June 14, 2017. Corbis via Getty
Radiohead joins a growing list of artists taking a stand against ICE. In December, Sabrina Carpenter condemned the agency for featuring her song "Juno" in a now-deleted video depicting ICE raids, calling it "evil and disgusting." The White House fired back with a scathing response, referencing her song "Manchild" and stating, "Anyone who would defend these sick monsters must be stupid, or is it slow?" This escalating war of words highlights a deep cultural divide, with musicians increasingly using their platforms to challenge government narratives.
As the story goes viral, questions are swirling: Will ICE back down, or will this ignite a legal battle over copyright and free speech? Radiohead's bold move is resonating far beyond music circles, tapping into broader debates about immigration, artistic integrity, and the power of protest in the digital age. Stay tuned—this showdown is just heating up.
