By Canadian Press

N.L. Tories apologize for using singer’s ‘Victory Song’ without approval

Apr 18, 2019 | 5:43 AM

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — Newfoundland and Labrador’s Tory leader has opened his election campaign with an apology to one of the province’s best-known musicians.

Ches Crosbie apologized Thursday morning after former Great Big Sea member Sean McCann objected to the Tory campaign’s use of his song, “Victory Song,” at the party’s campaign launch in St. John’s on Wednesday night.

McCann said the song is about his successful battle over addiction and the Tories did not ask for or get his permission.

He asked them to stop using it.

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Crosbie said the party had been late contacting McCann for permission, and should have waited for his approval.

He called it a mistake, apologized, and said it won’t happen again.

“Sean, you’re an inspiration to NLers everywhere. Wasn’t intended to be a ‘campaign song,’ but was played at campaign HQ. It is a great song. No harm intended, keep making amazing music,” Crosbie said on Twitter.

Premier Dwight Ball called an election for May 16 on Wednesday evening, in what’s shaping up as a close race between the ruling Liberals and opposition Tories.

The Canadian Press