



When Donald Trump took the stage to deliver a short stump speech at today’s anti-Iran deal rally in Washington, D.C., he did so to blaring sound of R.E.M.’s “It’s the End of the World.”

As could have been expected, the band did not appreciate his use of their song. Bassist Mike Mills responded to questions from reporters on Twitter with three words: “Cease and desist.”

Mills promised an official statement from the band shortly:

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

RELATED: Survivor Frontman Objects to Kim Davis’ Use of ‘Eye of the Tiger’

Watch Trump enter to R.E.M.’s song below, via C-SPAN:

UPDATE – 7:50 p.m. ET The band also posted an extended statement on their official Facebook page. The message states that the band did not authorize or condone the song’s usage, and that the band wants the focus to remain on the issues, not on “grandstanding politicians.”

UPDATE – 8:15 p.m. ET The Daily Beast received an emailed statement from lead singer Michael Stipe, where he appeared to turn up the heat on Trump and Cruz. “Go fuck yourselves, the lot of you — you sad, attention-grabbing, power-hungry little men,” Stipe reportedly said. “Do not use our music or my voice for your moronic charade of a campaign.”

"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

[Photo via screengrab]

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