Four decades after igniting college-radio airwaves and launching R.E.M.’s remarkable career, their 1981 debut single “Radio Free Europe” is broadcasting a new signal. R.E.M. unveils “Radio Free Europe 2025″, a five-track benefit EP led by a never-before-released 2025 remix by Jacknife Lee. The release celebrates the 75th anniversary of the “OG” “Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty”, which currently broadcasts news and information in 27 languages to 23 countries where a free press is either banned by the government or under threat.
Members of R.E.M. say this mission of promoting free expression has always resonated with the band: “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,” says Michael Stipe, lead singer and founding member of R.E.M. “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,” says Mike Mills, bassist and founding member of R.E.M.
The EP is available a limited-edition 10-inch orange-vinyl pressing is available for pre-order now exclusively via the official R.E.M. store and independent record stores. Proceeds from all vinyl sales will go to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, an editorially independent nonpartisan and nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation.
The Fat Angel Sings 