[Cover photo credit to Chris Bilheimer]
Following the announcement of Radio Free Europe 2025, the five-track benefit EP celebrating the 75th anniversary of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), R.E.M. has arrived on limited-edition 10-inch orange vinyl, available now exclusively at independent record stores and REMHQ.com. Proceeds from all vinyl and merch sales will go to RFE/RL, “an editorially independent nonpartisan and nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation.”
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty was established by the United States 75 years ago and currently broadcasts news and information in 27 languages to 23 countries where a free press is either banned by the government or under threat. Throughout the Cold War and continuing today, RFE/RL is often the only lifeline to the outside world for people living under extreme censorship.
Stephen Capus, President & CEO, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty says:
For 75 years, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalists have been relentless in their mission of ‘calling out’ to audiences living under censorship. I’m proud that such an iconic song bears our name and resonates with the enduring spirit of freedom and resilience that defines RFE/RL and our brave journalists. R.E.M.’s contributions on the world stage are grounded in the same spirit of freedom of expression, integrity, and creativity. I look forward to seeing the EP officially on the shelves in record stores around Prague and across the globe.
Members of R.E.M. say this mission of promoting free expression has always resonated with the band.
Mike Mills, bassist and founding member of R.E.M. explains:
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.
The release is led by the never-before-released 2025 remix of “Radio Free Europe” from longtime collaborator and Grammy-winning producer Jacknife Lee (U2, Snow Patrol, Taylor Swift, The Killers). Completing the package are Mitch Easter’s original 1981 recordings, the Hib-Tone single mix of “Radio Free Europe,” its flip-side “Sitting Still,” the “Wh. Tornado” demo, and Easter’s never-before-released 1981 remix “Radio Free Dub.”
TRACKLIST:
Radio Side:
- Radio Free Europe 2025 (Jacknife Lee Remix)*
- Radio Free Dub (Mitch Easter 1981 Remix)*
Liberty Side:
- Radio Free Europe (Original Hib-Tone Single)
- Sitting Still (Original Hib-Tone B-Side)
- Wh. Tornado (From Cassette Set) **
*Never-before-released
**First time on digital and vinyl
