R.E.M. Slams Fox For Using Their Song During DNC Coverage: 'Our Music Does Not Belong There'

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Recently-disbanded alt-rock legends R.E.M. are quite unhappy with Fox News for using their 1991 hit single 'Losing My Religion' during the network's Wednesday night coverage of the Democratic National Convention.

After learning of the network's musical selection, the band posted a statement on their website: 'R.E.M. today, through its music publisher, Warner-Tamerlane Music, demanded that Fox News cease and desist from continuing its unlicensed and unauthorized use of the song.'

The post also quoted frontman Michael Stipe, who took a swipe at the network: 'We have little or no respect for their puff adder brand of reportage. Our music does not belong there.'

R.E.M. have been vocal supporters of liberal causes since the band's inception in 1980. They have also supported the Democratic Party, performing on the Vote for Change Tour in support of Sen. John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign. Stipe has also been an outspoken supporter of President Obama, calling him the 'right man for the job' on multiple occasions.

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• It's good that Andy pointed out that R.E.M. are recently disbanded.

• More democrat thinking' you only have freedom if you agree with us

• Typical republican thinking.
  Use someones music without asking and WITHOUT paying.

• What does that have to do with stealing an artists work?

• They should play music from someone who looks and sounds like one of their loyal viewers (Hank Williams) Jr.

• They built (made) that music, not you nor Fox. Are you telling them they didn't build (make) it?

• Or even Ted Nugent. That is who the Faux News audience listens to anyway

• FAUX should use music from artists that support their political view.

  Like Nugent. Nothing like some geriatric patients jamming to some 'Cat Scratch Fever.' Plus they have something in common with Ted. Like Ted, they sh!t their pants.

  FAUX News Fair and Balanced (for those suffering incontinence).

• Wouldn't an out-cut going to commercial be considered 'Fair Use'?

• Says @radum27:disqus without any evidence to back that up.

• I wasn't aware you could 'build/make' music for certain people, but not others.

  Perhaps you want to think this one through again.

• Stealing? So you know that FNC doesn't have the license for it? Are you familiar with ASCAP and BMI?

• REM should sue Faux News for using their music. Use the same attorney Shirley Sherrod is using to sue that lying sack of cr*p Breitbart.

• Prove it. How do you know they don't have the license? How do you know they don't pay?

• No, 'Breitbart,' you only have freedom if you're not stupid.
  With freedom comes responsibility. Do you teabaggers understand this concept, because it sure doesn't seem like you do.

• And then in the next post, Cyber will tell us how people like him are the only ones who are willing to stand up for elderly Medicare patients.

  Do you have anything other than hate and stupidity to offer?

• Using someone's music other than personal use or for entertainment is one thing, using it as to support you agenda is not your right. You need to ask the owner's permission.

• REM' the world's first EMO band, well before their time.

  'People are listening to my music' waaaaaaa!'

• I find it highly unlikely ' if not impossible ' Fox News is violating copyright law on this.

• Sounds like a plan! Who wouldn't love to see REM lose some money with a frivolous lawsuit they couldn't possibly win?

• Wrong.