Radiohead Condemns Unauthorized ‘Let Down’ Use in ICE Video

Radiohead demands removal of their iconic song from ICE’s video, asserting the song’s profound meaning and rejecting its politicized misuse.

Radiohead at a live performance (photo: Tom Sheehan).

When Music Meets Controversy: Radiohead’s Stand Against ICE’s Usage

There’s something deeply personal about a song that resonates with millions, and Radiohead’s “Let Down” is one of those anthems that transcends time and interpretation. So, imagine the band’s shock and dismay when a choral rendition of this treasured track surfaced in an official video posted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on their Instagram. The video, which spotlighted alleged violent crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, used the song without Radiohead’s permission — sparking an immediate, fiery response from the band.

Radiohead didn’t hold back:

“We demand that the amateurs in control of the I.C.E. social media account take it down,” the band declared in a statement on February 27. “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 fuck yourselves.”

This blunt message underscores how protective artists can be when their music is twisted to fuel political narratives they don’t support. The band’s frustration is palpable — they see “Let Down” as a message of hope amid confusion and loss, not as a soundtrack for fearmongering.

The ICE Video: A Charged Montage With a Contentious Soundtrack

The video in question was a grim montage depicting victims of violence, explicitly attributing these acts to “illegal aliens” accused of “raping and murdering” American citizens. Accompanying text on the post amplified this message, declaring, “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.”

It’s a stark, divisive message that many would find triggering, especially when paired with music that’s widely interpreted as thoughtful and melancholic rather than aggressive or political. The use of “Let Down” in this context felt like a misappropriation, striking a nerve with Radiohead and their fans alike.

Why ‘Let Down’ Means More Than Just a Song

For those of us who’ve followed Radiohead’s journey, “Let Down” is a track dripping with bittersweet nostalgia. Coming off their landmark 1997 album OK Computer, the song captures the alienation of modern life—a world full of disconnection and yearning. Its gentle yet haunting melodies have made it one of the band’s most enduring anthems, boasting over 690 million streams on Spotify alone.

The band’s protective stance over the song reflects not just ownership over their art, but a desire to preserve its meaning. It’s a reminder that music isn’t just background noise; it’s a powerful vessel for emotion and identity.

A Pattern of Protecting Artistic Integrity

This isn’t the first controversy Radiohead or its members have faced lately regarding unauthorized music use. Earlier in February, guitarist Jonny Greenwood publicly demanded that a segment of his score for Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2017 film Phantom Thread be removed from the documentary Melania. Greenwood accused Universal Studios of failing to consult him about the music’s use, violating his composer agreement.

That episode further highlights how seriously Radiohead’s members take their artistic rights and how vigilant they are about unauthorized uses of their work.

Final Thoughts: When Music Meets Politics

Radiohead’s reaction to ICE’s video is a clear stand against the politicization and misuse of music. It’s a reminder that songs carry stories, emotions, and meanings that artists fiercely protect. When these songs are co-opted without consent—especially in charged political contexts—it’s not just a legal issue but a cultural one.

Their blunt statement leaves no doubt: music is not a tool for manipulation, and artists will fight to reclaim their work’s integrity.

FAQ

• What song did Radiohead object to being used in the ICE video?
  Radiohead objected to a choral version of “Let Down” being used without permission.
• What was the ICE video about?
  The video was a montage showing alleged violent crimes by undocumented immigrants, accompanied by text highlighting these acts against American citizens.
• How did Radiohead respond to the unauthorized use?
  They demanded the video be taken down immediately and issued a strong public statement condemning the misuse of their song.
• Has Radiohead faced similar issues before?
  Yes, guitarist Jonny Greenwood previously demanded the removal of his music from a documentary, citing unauthorized use.
• Why is ‘Let Down’ significant to Radiohead and fans?
  The song is a soulful reflection on alienation and hope, making it deeply meaningful and widely loved, with over 690 million Spotify streams.

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