Rockstars ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Tom Petty to John Mellencamp have demanded that Republican candidates stop using their music in connection with their presidential campaign bids.
While it’s obvious which celebrities oppose the Republicans in this election season, we were curious to find out which stars of rock music and country music actually support the GOP.
According to sites such as Mainstream Libertarian and Wikipedia, many musicians actually have right wing leanings, be it simple GOP loyalty or all out libertarianism.
In the interest of equal time, tune in later for our list of the top celebrity democrats in the music world. But for now, check out some of the surprising supporters of the GOP.
These popular music stars have openly identified themselves as Republicans, or, in some cases, Libertarians. Although it differs from the Republican Party in some areas, Libertarianism is a big component of the GOP, with figures such as Ronald Reagan having declared, “The very heart and soul of conservatism is libertarianism.”
Top Republican Rock Stars
Alice Cooper—“I’m Eighteen”
He’s famous for his “shock rock” antics and controversial music, but the former Vincent Furnier is a surprising supporter of the GOP.
Sonny Bono
Cher’s ex-husband and the mustachioed singer of “I’ve Got You Babe” was a Republican congressman in California.
Brooks and Dunn—“Only in America”
This boot-scootin’ top country act performed at the 2004 Republican National Convention.
Danny Elfman
His name may not sound familiar, but this composer works on many movie and tv soundtracks, including the Simpsons’ theme song.
Sammy Hagar/Van Halen
In addition to ruining VH, and running a successful tequila company, the Red Rocker contributed to the Bush/Cheney campaign fund in to 2004. We knew there was a reason we liked David Lee Roth better…
Lynryd Skynyrd
The legendary Southern Rock band performed at the 2004 Republican National Convention.
Ted Nugent
Often referred to as the Motor City Madman, this Detroit rocker is known for his wild guitar playing and his affinity for bow-hunting. Unlike Springsteen and Co., this rockstar is a Libertarian.
John Popper/Blues Traveler
This Libertarian rocker was known to sing the praises of Rush Limbaugh.
Johnny Ramone
The legendary guitarist for punk-rock icons the Ramones played songs like “Beat on the Brat (with a Baseball Bat)” but was actually a supporter of the NRA. That’s pretty punk.
Kid Rock
This Detroit rap-rock star criticized celebrities for speaking out against US policies in Iraq.
Gene Simmons/Kiss—“Rock and Roll All Nite”
Gene Simmons sex tape controversy is heating up amid rumous that he cheated on his longtime girlfriend, on tape. The outspoken Kiss bassist/fired Celebrity Apprentice contestant is also an avid Libertarian.
Jessica Simpson
The lovably ditzy popstar/reality tv star might not know the difference between Chicken of the Sea and actual chicken, but this Texas girl favors Republicans over Dems.
Grace Slick/Jefferson Airplane—“White Rabbit”
Queen of the psychedelic ‘60s scene and singer of “Somebody to Love.”
Travis Tritt—“T-R-O-U-B-L-E”
Performed at the 2004 Republican National Convention.
Dwight Yoakam
Johnny Cash was a fan of this rockabilly-style country singer. Yoakam also acted in films such as Slingblade.
ZZ Top—“Sharp Dressed Man”
These famously bearded rockers performed at the 2004 Republican National Convention.
Does an artist’s political stance influence how you feel about their music?
Leave a comment and let us know what you think!
TriSec says...
07.14.08 7:19 am
Well, some of these surprise me. I was raised by liberal musicians (Boston, MA), so I guess people in the business that play for the other team kinda surprises me.
But to each his own, I guess.
jim says...
11.2.08 1:26 pm
I don’t know what the hell Alice Cooper is thinking. Would love to see him perform at a McCain rally in Texas in drag, though.
I confess to being surprised and a bit saddened by Grace Slick selling out to the man, and for Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top being that supportive of the same type of people who oppressed black Americans and made them sing the blues.
tedb added...
Please. Grace Slick is NOT a Republican. She wrote in her autobiography, “White Rabbit,” that she is a virtual “communist” and would have volunteered for then-Texas Democratic governor Ann Richards. Don’t worry!!!
06.24.09 6:00 pm
Me says...
03.16.09 10:13 pm
HA HA HA! I am sooo happy that Gene Simmons is a Republican! So is Joe Perry!
Karen added...
Gene is so annoying, I’m not surprised he’s a republican,haha.
Wonder if he actually votes, or if he just runs his big mouth about it to get attention?
Hmmm…
I was more surprised about Alice Cooper!
03.17.09 7:57 am
notmyname says...
04.7.09 9:28 pm
you forgot to mention Michale Graves who was the singer for the misfits for a while,he is a conservative republican aswell
Applesauce says...
06.15.09 8:28 pm
Simmons is so funny. there is barley any “GOP rockstars” and of all people Gene Simmons is a republican. Joe Parry is also one.
Karen added...
Lots of country singers, too…
06.16.09 11:20 am
Jessica says...
08.10.09 8:31 pm
What does it matter? All of you hypocrites that want all this equality and understanding and liberal agenda..but you talk about Republicans, Libertarians and Conservatives so harshly. Where’s the understanding there? All people have different beliefs and most of these artists have contributed to music, entertainment and in some way to your lives. If this were not true than you would not be surprised or shocked by some of their stances in politics. But does that change them as a person? Does that change the fact that their music has influenced so many people? No. And jim your comment “Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top being that supportive of the same type of people who oppressed black Americans and made them sing the blues.” Get over it..Jews were oppressed for hundreds, thousands of years! But look at them, running banks, doctors, investors, etc. If you are willing to work for something and contribute to society than change will happen. However if you continue to sit at home, birth 6-8 babies, sell drugs for a living, run away from your children and their mothers, and have 70% of your male population in prison, than you are only oppressing yourselves!! Oh well, to each his own. All of the people in this country that have strayed from God and his teachings will pay and it will be under the power of the martyr OBAMA.
Karen added...
Wow, your comment went from being mildly obnoxious (but somewhat coherent) to completely bonkers in record time.
Congratulations: you are a closed-minded fear-monger with not-so-subtle racist tendencies.
Do you really think that ugly, stereotype-based commentary like this (”sit at home, birth 6-8 babies, sell drugs for a living, run away from your children and their mothers”)
is going to convince anyone to take your point of view seriously?
Doubt it.
08.11.09 7:38 am
TF added...
Karen, you just drank your Kool-Aid now didn’t you?! Shame shame shame!
11.1.09 6:03 pm
Jessica says...
08.11.09 12:57 pm
Karen,
I am not racist, but I am mature enough, as well as aware enough, to realize what is going on in the world around me. I don’t allow the fact that I may hurt your feelings get in the way of the truth and statistics. The truth hurts. It’s your opinion to think that I am “close-minded fear-monger with not-so-subtle racist tendencies”. It’s also my opinion that you are a blinded sheep following the flock and too ignorant to realize that you have no morals that will save your soul. Also my “ugly stereotype” is not only a stereotype, but it is based on statistics!! Look up the numbers on the race/ethnicity of women in America with over 4 children in a household on welfare/food stamps, look up the numbers of men AND women in prison for selling drugs, look up the number of households without a man, and look up the statistics of men in prison, what’s the leading race/ethnicity? Hmmm…do some research. And while we are talking about stereotypes why don’t we look at your stereotype.
“Gene is so annoying, I’m not surprised he’s a republican,haha”
Well I can tell you are a democrat because you are ignorant, walking on eggshells to avoid speaking the truth, and just pathetic in general. =)
lee meeker says...
09.7.09 3:06 pm
That’s a mighty short list of Artist that are Republicans, why is that? I can only guess that the others don’t want to waste their time on Politics. After all their FANS come from both sides of the aisle and they don’t want to affend anyone…Which is very smart of them !!!
TF added...
yeah, so look what that says about all the Dems who can’t keep their mouths shut at their concerts expressing and invoking their political left views …again, good point Lee…
11.1.09 6:05 pm
Daily Music Quiz: Punks, Republicans and Chimps | Music Vixen Blog says...
09.16.09 12:48 pm
[...] Johnny Ramone was a rarity among punk rockers: he was a republican. One Ramones song had a title that Johnny though was offensive to then-President Ronal Regan. What [...]
lee meeker says...
11.2.09 10:23 pm
Guess what guys and gals, I have not posted anything here!!!!! I will not be posting anything here
so, don’t think that I have!!!!