Radiohead Tells ICE “Go Fuck Yourselves” for Unauthorized Use of ‘Let Down’: “You Don’t Get to Appropriate It Without a Fight”

Radiohead fiercely condemns ICE’s unauthorized use of their iconic song ‘Let Down’ in a controversial video, standing strong against cultural appropriation.

When a haunting choral cover of Radiohead’s ‘Let Down’ unexpectedly surfaced in a video posted by the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, it ignited a firestorm. The band’s reaction? Nothing less than a passionate stand against the unauthorized use of their music. As a longtime fan and observer of music’s intersection with politics, this kind of artistic ownership battle feels personal—and, frankly, overdue.

The Controversial Video and Radiohead’s Response

The video in question used a choral version of ‘Let Down,’ a standout track from Radiohead’s 1997 masterpiece OK Computer. The song played over images that suggested harm caused by immigrants, closing with the phrase “This Is Our Why.” The lyrics echoed in the background:

“You know where you are with / You know where you are with / Floor collapses, floating / Bouncing back / And one day I am gonna grow wings / A chemical reaction / Hysterical and useless.”

Beneath the clip was a caption proclaiming:

“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.”

Radiohead’s response was swift and unapologetic. Their statement demanded the removal of the video from ICE’s social media channels, emphasizing the song’s deep significance to the band and others:

“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 fuck yourselves…”

Thom Yorke, Radiohead’s iconic frontman, has always been vocal about the integrity of the band’s work.

This blunt message from Radiohead cuts through the noise, reminding us how fiercely artists guard their work, especially when it’s misused in contexts that run contrary to their beliefs.

‘Let Down’ Finds New Life — But Not Always in the Way Radiohead Imagined

Interestingly, ‘Let Down’ has enjoyed a recent surge in popularity, particularly on TikTok, where it went viral late last year. Thom Yorke shared with a major publication his mixed feelings about the song’s journey:

“I fought tooth and nail for it not to be on the record, but Ed [O’Brien] was, like, ‘If it’s not, I’m leaving.’”

Despite his reluctance, the song became a cherished part of OK Computer. Yorke admitted surprise at its TikTok fame, but his children offered a candid explanation:

“What do you expect? Teenagers are depressed. It’s depressing music!”

Drummer Philip Selway chimed in, sharing his own touching experience of music bridging generations:

“I was at the station the other day, and schoolboys were playing ‘Everything In Its Right Place’ on a piano. Then they played Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Radiohead electrified Madrid in 2025, proving their timeless influence still resonates across generations.

Not the First Time Artists Have Spoken Out Against ICE’s Music Appropriation

Radiohead’s fiery rebuke joins a growing chorus of artists condemning ICE’s unauthorized use of their music for political messaging. In November, Olivia Rodrigo publicly criticized ICE for using a snippet of her track ‘All-American Bitch’ in a video showing officers aggressively detaining people. She was blunt in her response:

“Don’t ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda.”

Although Rodrigo’s comment was later deleted, it underscored a mounting frustration among artists about their work being co-opted for agendas they do not support.

The Broader Backlash Against ICE in the Arts Community

The outrage over ICE’s actions extends beyond music. The deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, both U.S. citizens, at the hands of ICE agents have intensified scrutiny and condemnation.

Rock legend Bruce Springsteen has been particularly vocal, urging ICE to “get the fuck out of Minneapolis.” Notably, he allowed his iconic ‘Born In The USA’ to be used in an anti-ICE video and premiered his own protest track ‘Streets Of Minneapolis’ during a surprise appearance at a benefit show hosted by Tom Morello.

The tide of opposition includes many prominent voices:

• Lady Gaga
• Billie Eilish
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Green Day
• Neil Young
• Moby
• Zara Larsson
• Joe Keery (also known for Stranger Things)
• Spider-Man voice actor Yuri Lowenthal
• Duran Duran
• Dave Matthews

These artists have all spoken out against ICE’s aggressive tactics and the misuse of their music and image.

Radiohead’s Recent Moves: Protecting Their Art Amid Political Controversies

The band’s fight to control how their music is used is ongoing. Recently, Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood teamed up with filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson to request the removal of their Phantom Thread soundtrack from a documentary about Melania Trump. Despite their wishes, the producer insisted the music would remain “in the film forever.”

Meanwhile, the five members of Radiohead have formed a new private limited company, hinting at future projects or releases. Whatever their next move, it’s clear they are mindful of how their art intersects with culture and politics.

Music, Politics, and the Power of Ownership

Radiohead’s message to ICE is more than just a statement about a song. It’s a reminder that music holds power—not just in its notes and lyrics, but in its meanings and the contexts in which it is used. Appropriating art for political purposes without consent is a battleground, and this band has made it clear they will defend their work fiercely.

As fans and observers, moments like these call us to reflect: how do we want the art we love to be represented? And who gets to decide?

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FAQ

• What song did ICE use without Radiohead’s permission?
  ICE used a choral cover of Radiohead’s ‘Let Down’ from their OK Computer album without authorization.
• Why did Radiohead object to ICE’s video?
  The band was upset that their song was used to promote a political message they do not support, especially one that misrepresents their artistic intentions.
• Has Radiohead’s ‘Let Down’ been popular recently?
  Yes, it went viral on TikTok, gaining a new audience and sparking renewed interest in the track.
• Are other artists also opposing ICE’s use of their music?
  Absolutely. Artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, and many others have spoken out against ICE’s unauthorized use of their songs.
• What is Radiohead’s current status in music?
  Besides standing firm on artistic control, Radiohead recently formed a new company, suggesting upcoming projects or releases.