Earlier this year, Donald Trump kicked off his campaign by using a Neil Young song without Young’s permission. He’s done it again, this time playing R.E.M.‘s single “It’s the End of the World” as he took the stage at a campaign event. The band have responded with a statement demanding that candidates “cease and desist” from using their music.
They write:
“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.”
Mike Mills and Michael Stipe had some further thoughts on Twitter. They wrote:
Personally, I think the Orange Clown will do anything for attention. I hate giving it to him.