Kings of Leon Just Say No to Glee

Apparently Kings of Leon didn't get the memo. You don't say no to Ryan Murphy.

Recently, when Ryan Murphy asked Kings of Leon for permission to use their hit "Use Somebody" in an episode of Glee, they refused. Murphy responded with a hissy fit, claiming the show's purpose was to inspire 7 year olds to go into music because they see music performed by people close to theirt age. Since when is any of the Glee cast "close in age" to a seven year old? Not even a 7 year old is naive enough to think the 20 something "kids" of Glee are "close to their age."

Personally, I love Glee, but not everyone does. I'm also an adult, not a 7 year old. The show is laden with innuendo mixed in with the music, and while it's up to parents to decide what's appropriate for their kids to watch in no way should a second grader be considered Glee's target audience. From what I hear of Kings of Leon music, they don't appear to be laying claim to the pre-tween market either, but at least they don't pretend that they are.

As a fan of the show, I can imagine how Use Somebody might further the story that Glee is telling. As a writer I can empathize with having an idea, and being frustrated by an apparent road block in the creative process. But is out of line, and seriously owes Kings of Leon an apology.

Here's the memo that fell off Murphy's desk.

Kings of Leon--- or any other musical artist for that matter-- has the right to control how their music is used and presented to the public, unless they consciously choose to give up that right. If an artist does grant permission, it is they who are doing you a favor. Not the other way around, even if you see it as a venture that is mutually beneficial. Kings of Leon do not want to give up that right. I would assume, like any good band, Kings of Leon work hard to get their music to sound the way they want it to. This includes more than the notes and the lyrics of the songs, but although their voices, and their instruments, played in the particular way that they play them. When people think of their song's I'd assume that Kings of Leon would prefer that people think of them-- not the cast of Glee. There is nothing wrong with that. It doesn't mean they are against arts education. It means Kings of Leon are musicians and they prefer to be seen primarily as musicians. At least for now.

Many musicians thrive on colaboration and making social statements. Any of these artists might make a good partner for Glee. From a business standpoint, working with the Glee crew has proved profitable for artists, in many cases causing a big jump in sales of the originals, but sometimes it's not just about the money.