Donald Trump is under fire once again for unauthorized use of music in his campaign. A few months back, Neil Young took issue with the Republican Presidential candidate using his “Rockin’ In The Free World”, releasing an extensive statement against Trump and the US political system in general. Now, Trump is using R.E.M.’s “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine),” and the band is not happy.
After Donald Trump Debacle, Neil Young Gives His Song To Bernie Sanders
Trump came out to the 1987 hit along with Ted Cruz at a DC rally against President Obama’s recent nuclear deal with Iran. Shortly after, R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe took to Twitter (via bandmate Mike Mills’ account) to express his distaste for Trump.
“Go fuck yourselves, the lot of you — you sad, attention-grabbing, power-hungry little men,” Stipe said. “Do not use our music or my voice for your moronic charade of a campaign.”
Subsequently, Mills wrote, “Personally, I think the Orange Clown will do anything for attention. I hate giving it to him. The R.E.M. statement will be regarding Trump’s use of our song. Nothing more than that!”
Later on, the band issued a more thorough statement to their Facebook page:
“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 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.”
The dilemma occurred just hours after 80s rock band Survivor threatened to sue anti-gay marriage clerk Kim Davis for unauthorized use of their song “Eye of the Tiger”.
[Via Rolling Stone]