Metal band slaps Clive

US METAL band Twisted Sister has launched legal proceedings against Clive Palmer over his use of their hit We’re Not Gonna Take It in United Australia Party ads.

In what is believed to be the first time a political party in Australia has been sued over breach of music copyright, lawyers representing Universal Music Publishing filed papers in the Federal Court on Friday. The band is seeking damages and aggravated damages over Mr Palmer’s use of the song, together with his alleged refusal to cease using the song despite multiple requests.

We’re Not Gonna Take It was written and composed by Dee Snider, the lead singer of Twisted Sister. The song was released in 1984 and Universal holds the licensing rights.

The United Australia Party is understood to have approached Universal to obtain permission to use the song for ads. The request was declined.

A case management hearing has been set down for March 6. Mr Palmer was contacted for comment.

The court battle follows a public slanging match between Mr Snider and Mr Palmer over the song.