R.E.M. has some choice words about the Stop the Iran Deal Rally using their song

(Image credit: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images)

published 10 September 2015

R.E.M. doesn't feel so fine about Donald Trump walking onstage at Wednesday's Stop the Iran Deal Rally in Washington, D.C., to their hit song, "It's the End of the World As We Know It."

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And, because nothing brings people together quite like hatred of Donald Trump, R.E.M. also posted a joint statement to their Facebook page, despite the fact that they broke up in 2011. "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 band said. "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."

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.

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