After Donald Trump used R.E.M.’s “It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” as his intro music at an anti-Iran deal rally where Ted Cruz also spoke, the reaction was quick and swift, especially from the band. On Facebook, they posted a nuanced, detailed status asking that the presidential candidates refrain from using the song—and expressed they did “not authorize or condone the use of our music at this political event”—while noting there were more “pressing issues” to focus on than “grandstanding politicians.” Vocalist Michael Stipe’s own response, sent out via bassist Mike Mills’ Twitter feed, was more pointed: “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 moronic charade of a campaign.”
These responses shouldn’t have been a shock: After all, the band’s had to deal with its songs being used in situations anathema to its political beliefs before, as when Fox News used “Losing My Religion” in 2012. If anything, it would be out of character for the band members to keep quiet about the Trump usage. Yet a surprising number of people seemed taken aback that R.E.M. came out with such a firm, politically charged statement. Certainly some of these responses were from those who don’t agree with the band’s liberal viewpoint, found the gesture overblown or are Trump supporters—in fact, Mills himself has spent the time since the statement engaging with Twitter trolls and challengers (“Didn’t receive notice when buying #REM’s products bout political restrictions @m_millsey I loved your music but U hate conservatives like me”), often with hilarious results—but plenty seemed annoyed by the vehemence of the statement.