Rock and Roll Hall of Famers R.E.M. may have broken up in 2011, but the band still is occasionally reissuing songs from its extensive catalog to benefit causes its members support.
Such is the case with Radio Free Europe 2025, a five track-benefit EP fronted by a new remix of the band’s first single, “Radio Free Europe,” helmed by its late career producer Jacknife Lee.
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The Friday, May 2 release to streaming services celebrates the 75th anniversary of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), and hits just prior to World Press Freedom Day on May 3.
Radio Free Europe 2025 will also be released as a limited-edition 10-inch orange vinyl record, that’s available at the official R.E.M. store and independent record stores, on Sept. 12. All proceeds from the vinyl sales will go to RFE/RL, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization.
Established by the U.S. 75 years ago, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty broadcast news and information in 27 different languages to 23 countries where journalistic freedom is banned or under government pressure due to censorship.
“Whether it’s music or a free press–censorship anywhere is a threat to the truth everywhere. On World Press Freedom Day, I’m sending a shout-out to the brave journalists at Radio Free Europe,” Michael Stipe, lead singer and founding member of R.E.M., said in a statement.
“Radio Free Europe’s journalists have been pissing off dictators for 75 years. You know you’re doing your job when you make the right enemies. Happy World Press Freedom Day to the ‘OG’ Radio Free Europe,” added Mike Mills, bassist and founding member of R.E.M.
