EXCLUSIVE

Donald Trump shut down negotiations to get a huge rock band at one of his Inaugural balls … in order to cut costs and potentially save tens of millions for charity.

Inauguration sources tell us the Committee was close to landing a legendary group — one that’s in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — but when the President-elect found out they wanted more than $1 million for the gig he pulled the plug. We’re told Trump implored the rockers to reduce their appearance fee — but when they refused he told the Inaugural Committee to move on to other artists.

Mind you, there’s plenty of dough. The Committee’s reportedly received more than $90 million in donations, but we’re told Trump instructed all involved to keep expenses in the low millions because whatever is left over is going to charity.

As we reported … the Liberty Ball and Freedom Ball will now feature soul legend Sam Moore, as well as Grammy nominee Travis Greene. While organizers are tight-lipped about naming all the acts, our sources say you can expect an eclectic lineup — ranging from dance to country to gospel — and everyone’s doing it for free or a greatly reduced rate.

We’re told planners had only 2 directives: make it diverse and do it on the cheap.