R.E.M. Slams Donald Trump for Using Their Song in “Moronic Charade of a Campaign”

Another music act isn’t thrilled about Donald Trump‘s song selection for his campaign. 

The presidential candidate took the stage at a rally to oppose the Iran deal on Wednesday as R.E.M.’s song “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” played over the sound system. The members of the band have since taken to social media to criticize Trump’s use of their music. 

In response to multiple Twitter users asking bassist Mike Mills for his thoughts on Trump playing the song, Mills responded with “Cease and desist.”

Mills then tweeted the link to an official statement from the band, which points out that R.E.M.’s members “do not authorize or condone the use of our music at this political event, and do ask that these candidates cease and desist from doing so.”

The statement continued, “The media and the American voter should focus on the bigger picture, and not allow grandstanding politicians to distract us from the pressing issues of the day and of the current Presidential campaign.”

Mills also posted a vitriolic statement to his Twitter page attributed to lead singer Michael Stipe, who responded to Trump’s use of the tune with: “Go f — yourselves, the lot of you — you sad, attention-grabbing, power-hungry little men. Do not use our music or my voice for your moronic charade of a campaign.”

This follows Neil Young speaking out in June against Trump’s use of his song “Rockin‘ in the Free World” at his speech to announce his campaign, saying the real estate mogul was “not authorized” to use the song. 

Trump isn’t the only political figure to get pushback over music played at rallies. On Tuesday, the rock group Survivor said it did not give permission for their song “Eye of the Tiger” to be used at an event attended by embattled Kentucky clerk Kim Davis and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee.

R.E.M.’s statement can be seen below, along with numerous tweets from Mills.

@vplus Cease and desist.

— Mike Mills (@m_millsey) September 9, 2015

@DavidCornDC Cease and desist.

— Mike Mills (@m_millsey) September 9, 2015

R.E.M. will issue an official statement shortly.

— Mike Mills (@m_millsey) September 9, 2015

Personally, I think the Orange Clown will do anything for attention. I hate giving it to him.

— Mike Mills (@m_millsey) September 9, 2015

Our response to unauthorized political use of #REM music: http://t.co/lcz9In3PuQ

— R.E.M. HQ (@remhq) September 9, 2015

Upcoming is Michael’s statement about Trump using our song at the rally. His opinions are HIS, please do not tweet angry responses at me.

— Mike Mills (@m_millsey) September 9, 2015

“Go fuck yourselves, the lot of you–you sad, attention grabbing, power-hungry little men. Do not use our music or my voice for your 1)

— Mike Mills (@m_millsey) September 9, 2015

…moronic charade of a campaign.”–Michael Stipe

— Mike Mills (@m_millsey) September 9, 2015

Email: Ryan.Gajewski@THR.com
Twitter: @_RyanGajewski