The founding member of rock band R.E.M. said he would explore “all legal avenues” to stop President Trump from using R.E.M. songs such as Losing My Religion and Everybody Hurts at his campaign rallies.
“We are aware that the President* @realDonaldTrump continues to use our music at his rallies,” tweeted songwriter Mike Mills, 61. “We are exploring all legal avenues to prevent this, but if that’s not possible please know that we do not condone the use of our music by this fraud and con man.”
It’s not the first time that a member from the Georgia band has attacked Trump for using their music at his rallies. Lead singer Michael Stipe demanded that Trump stop using It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine), saying, “Do not use our music or my voice for your moronic charade of a campaign.”
Political campaigns are allowed to use any music that is licensed by performing rights organizations such as ASCAP and BMI. Trump has been slammed by multiple artists and bands, including Adele, The Rolling Stones, and Aerosmith over his use of their music at rallies to amp up the crowd.
Rolling Stones band member Keith Richards said America needs to “get rid” of Trump in a BBC interview in 2018.
We are aware that the President* @realDonaldTrump continues to use our music at his rallies. We are exploring all legal avenues to prevent this, but if that’s not possible please know that we do not condone the use of our music by this fraud and con man.
— Mike Mills ❄️?⛄️ (@m_millsey) January 15, 2020
