R.E.M. Blasts Donald Trump for Using Band's Music

ByMICHAEL ROTHMAN ABCNews logo
Thursday, September 10, 2015

After Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump used "It's the End of the World" during a rally in Washington D.C., the band who R.E.M. blasted the real estate mogul for using its music.

The full statement on the band's Facebook page was an attempt to put things into perspective.

"While we 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, let us remember that there are things of greater importance at stake here," the band wrote on its Facebook page. "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."

Trump used the song Wednesday while discussing the proposed Iran nuclear deal.

R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills also took to Twitter in a more aggressive tone: "Personally, I think the Orange Clown will do anything for attention. I hate giving it to him."

He then shared frontman Michael Stipe's statement, which didn't hold anything back.

"You sad, attention grabbing, power-hungry little men. Do not use our music or my voice for your moronic charade of a campaign," he shared.

Stipe shared the same statement in an email to The Daily Beast.

Trump was happy with the rally though.

"I had a great day in D.C. even though the subject was an unpleasant one, the horrible Iran Nuke deal. Amazing crowd and enthusiasm!" he tweeted.

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