Eagles star sues for song 'abuse'

The Eagles, including Henley, formed in the early 1970s

Eagles star Don Henley has taken legal action against a Republican candidate for the US Senate for "exploting" two of his solo hits.

Charles DeVore used The Boys of Summer and All She Wants To Do Is Dance without permission, according to legal documents filed in California state.

The songs were part of two campaign videos posted on YouTube, with one adapted to attack a fellow candidate.

Henley's spokesman said the move was necessary to protect the songs.

Counter-claim

"The infringers have vowed to continue exploiting this and other copyrighted works, as it suits them, to further their own ambitions and agenda," he said.

The legal action contends that the lyrics of All She Wants To Do Is Dance were altered by Mr DeVore to attack his Democratic rival, Barbara Boxer.

Mr DeVore has said he will issue a counter-claim, citing the First Amendment in US law for political free speech.

"While the legal issues play out, it's time to up the ante on Mr Henley's liberal goon tactics. By popular request, I have penned the words to our new parody song," he added.

A song called All She Wants To Do Is Tax has since been posted on the internet.

During the US presidential campaign last year, a number of artists took action against politicians who they claimed used their music without permission.