R.E.M. bashes Donald Trump for using their song as a rallying cry (original) (raw)

Photo: Morena Brengola/Getty Images file

R.E.M. are not fans of Donald Trump, who used the band’s song, “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” during an anti-Iran deal rally on Wednesday. The famed rock group issued a statement on Facebook, slamming Trump and candidates who use songs without authorization.

“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 Facebook. “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.”

R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills also tweeted sentiments he attributed to frontman Michael Stipe.

R.E.M. aren’t the only act who want to distance themselves from Trump. Neil Young also wasn’t pleased when the candidate used his song, “Rockin’ In The Free World,” to announce his candidacy. “Donald Trump was not authorized to use ‘Rockin’ In The Free World’ in his presidential candidacy announcement,” Young’s rep said in a statement at the time. “Neil Young, a Canadian citizen, is a supporter of Bernie Sanders for President of the United States of America.” (Trump would go on to call Young a “hypocrite.”)

The news comes just a day after Survivor took issue with Kentucky clerk Kim Davis for using “Eye of the Tiger” during a press conference after she was released from jail for withholding marriage licenses for same-sex couples.

•Neil Young didn’t approve of Donald Trump using ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’

•Survivor slams Kentucky clerk Kim Davis for using ‘Eye Of The Tiger’

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