R.E.M frontman Michael Stipe has accused President George W. Bush of desecrating the memory of Martin Luther King.

Stipe, who has previously spoken about his dislike of the Bush administration, said it was wrong of Bush to visit the former Civil Rights campaigners graveside during America's invasion of Iraq.

Speaking to the BBC, he revealed that 'Man Size Wreath', a track from the band's latest album 'Accelerate', is about Bush's visit.

“I just can’t stand the guy or his administration and it was about him going to the graveside of Martin Luther King, one of my heroes, and I think desecrating the memory of that great man and his work by being there during the Iraq war,” he said.

“I found it pathetic so I wrote that song about it.”

Stipe also spoke about Barack Obama, who will officially be nominated as a Presidential candidate at the Democratic Convention tomorrow.

The singer said he believed that Mr Obama was the “exceptional person” that America needed in office.

“You look at the way he’s put his campaign together and the way he responds to many of the criticisms that are already being lobbed at him, either from the Clinton family or from the McCains,” he said.

Stipe added: “Yes, I think he’s going to make it and it will be a better day for all of us.”

The R.E.M. Singer is one of a number of musicians who have publicly back Mr Obama's campaign from President.

(by Jason Gregory)