R.E.M. demand Fox News stop playing 'Losing My Religion'

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Artists as diverse as K’Naan and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider have all taken exception to the Romney campaign’s use of their music without authorization. Now R.E.M. has a dog in the fight: the band issued a cease-and-desist to Fox News after the network used their 1991 hit “Losing My Religion” in its coverage of the Democratic National Convention.

Lead singer Michael Stipe said in a statement, “We have little or no respect for their puff adder brand of reportage. Our music does not belong there.”

That’s a bit more succinct than Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello was when he told off Paul Ryan, but it’s clear enough.

“FOX News Channel’s use of an R.E.M. song during Thursday’s edition of Fox & Friends was in full accordance with its license agreements with all appropriate parties. Nevertheless, we’re always flattered to have this much attention for a song selection and we hope R.E.M. was able to satisfy their publicity fix,” a representative for Fox News responded.

At least the Republicans still have Nicki Minaj.

Read More:

Republican Convention review: Paul Ryan’s playlist, and his problem with storytelling

Paul Ryan gets Raged against, care of Tom Morello

Dee Snider doesn’t want Paul Ryan using Twisted Sister’s ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’

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