By the time the credits roll on Melania, the controversial documentary about former First Lady Melania Trump, audiences might be wondering one thing more than anything else: Why isn’t the music amazing?
After all, the film’s soundtrack was supposed to be iconic rock legends, soulful classics, the whole nine yards.
Instead, one of the biggest names in rock history refused to let their music be used… and the reason is far juicier than the film itself.
Guns N’ Roses Tears Heard ‘Round the World
According to producer Marc Beckman, the team behind Melania tried to license a “beautiful” Guns N’ Roses song for the documentary only to be flatly denied by the band.
Beckman revealed that the group was deadlocked over whether to agree, with “politics” at the center of the dispute. Because all rights holders had to sign off, that split meant the song was instantly off the table.
One band member allegedly said “Go for it,” while another said “No way,” and because unanimous consent is required to use a song, the deal collapsed.
That’s right instead of November Rain playing over montages or pivotal scenes, the documentary was left rocking a much more retro mixed tape vibe thanks to other licensed classics.
Politics vs. Art: What Really Happened?
Beckman’s words were blunt and, for some, shocking:
There was music that we tried to get, but sadly, there were politics to it.
He stressed that Melania is not a political film, but a personal look at Melania Trump’s life leading up to her husband’s inauguration and yet, political views still bled into music decisions.
That tensio between creative intent and political interpretation became most obvious with Guns N’ Roses, who have a long history of outspoken members and passionate fans. Whether or not fans buy Beckman’s explanation, the rock icons’ rejection instantly became a talking point. More Stars Who Said “Not On Our Watch”
Guns N’ Roses weren’t the only superstars to slam the door on the Melania soundtrack. Producer Beckman also named:
Grace Jones, who declined to license her music over “political hurdles” despite not specifying which track was requested.
The estate of Prince, which blocked a late-stage deal, with lawyers reportedly saying Prince “would never want his song associated with Donald Trump.”
Beckman’s reaction was frustration particularly because none of these artists had to figure in the politics so much as be comfortable with the film’s focus.
The Rolling Stones Twist
While some artists slammed the brakes, Melania managed to secure some other heavy hitters including a song attributed to The Rolling Stones, according to Beckman.
However, that claim quickly sparked its own controversy. A source close to the Stones later disputed rumors that Mick Jagger personally blessed the deal, explaining that the rights were handled by their music publisher not the band itself.
So even a victory for the Melania team ended up creating drama and more headlines.
Soundtrack Controversy Explodes Beyond Rock
The music drama didn’t stop with Guns N’ Roses or Grace Jones. Earlier, Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood and director Paul Thomas Anderson demanded that music from Phantom Thread which was used in the documentary be removed, claiming contractual violations in the licensing process.
Beckman rebuffed those claims, saying the team had done everything legally, but the public spectacle added fuel to the documentary’s already fiery buzz.
Critics, Box Office, and Backlash
All of this is unfolding against a backdrop of sharp division over Melania’s reception
Critics have been ruthless some say the documentary feels more like spin than story.
Some crew members even reportedly asked to have their names removed from the credits.
And despite a huge marketing push from Amazon MGM Studios, the movie’s box office performance has been underwhelming compared with expectations.
So the soundtrack controversy isn’t just a minor footnote it’s become part of the narrative critics and audiences are debating.
The Internet Reacts
Social media exploded when Beckman’s comments hit the press:
Some fans praised artists like Guns N’ Roses for taking a stand and rejecting involvement.
Others slammed Beckman and the producers for even trying to score iconic rock music for what many see as a vanity project.
A chorus of critics pointed out the irony: a documentary about a political spouse claimed to be apolitical… yet its soundtrack became one of the most political controversies of the year.
If nothing else, the drama ensured Melania’s soundtrack talk outpaced its box office buzz.
What’s Left on the Playlist?
Despite the snubs, Melania did land some major tracks from artists who did agree to participate including the likes of Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Tears for Fears, according to reports.
But for many fans, the shock of what didn’t make the cut is more memorable than what did particularly the potential Guns N’ Roses inclusion that never happened.
Final Verdict
Whether you think it’s a scandal, a marketing tactic, or just rock-star ego clashing with Hollywood ambition, there’s one thing we can say for sure:
This is the most talked-about documentary soundtrack of the year and not for good reasons.
Guns N’ Roses the band whose music shaped a generation could have given Melania a musical edge that critics might respect.
Instead, the band’s absence feels like the loudest statement of all.
And no matter how the documentary is judged, the drama behind the music will be what people remember.
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