R.E.M. has released a new digital EP titled Radio Free Europe 2025 that includes two previously unheard remixes of the band’s 1981 debut single, “Radio Free Europe.” The five-track collection was issued to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. The service was established by the U.S. to broadcast news and information in locations where a free press has either been banned or is restricted.
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The Radio Free Europe 2025 EP’s release comes just before World Press Freedom Day, which is held on May 3.
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The EP’s two previously unreleased tracks are a 2025 remix of “Radio Free Europe” created by longtime R.E.M. studio collaborator Jacknife Lee and a 1981 remix titled “Radio Free Dub” by the band’s original producer, Mitch Easter.
The other three tracks are R.E.M.’s original 1981 single version of “Radio Free Europe,” released on the Hib-Tone label; the single’s B-side, “Sitting Still”; and a demo recording of the instrumental rarity “Wh. Tornado.” The EP was overseen by Easter, and is available now to download and stream.
The Radio Free Europe 2025 EP also will be released as a limited-edition 10-inch orange-vinyl disc on September 12. The physical EP will be available exclusively via R.E.M.’s online store and at independent record stores. It can be pre-ordered now at the REMHQ online store. Proceeds raised by sales of the vinyl EP will go to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
R.E.M. Members Comment About the Release of the New EP
R.E.M. singer Michael Stipe and bassist Mike Mills both issued statements to accompany the release of the Radio Free Europe 2025 EP. In their messages, both artists stress the importance of allowing people and media organizations to express themselves without censorship.
“Whether it’s music or a free press—censorship anywhere is a threat to the truth everywhere,” Stipe said. “On World Press Freedom Day, I’m sending a shout-out to the brave journalists at Radio Free Europe.”
Added Mills, “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.”
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty president and CEO Stephen Capus also shared a statement regarding his organization’s mission and R.E.M.’s support of it.
“To me, R.E.M.’s music has always embodied a celebration of freedom: freedom of expression, lyrics that make us think, and melodies that inspire action,” Capus said. “Those are the very aims of our journalists at Radio Free Europe—to inform, inspire, and uphold freedoms often elusive to our audiences. We hold dictators accountable. They go to great lengths to silence us—blocking our websites, jamming our signals, and even imprisoning our colleagues.”
A Music Video for Jacknife Lee’s “Radio Free Europe” Remix Has Debuted
A companion music video for Jacknife Lee’s 2025 remix of “Radio Free Europe” has debuted on R.E.M.’s official YouTube channel. The clip includes information about the history of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Here’s what was shared in the video:
“Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty was conceived 75 years ago as an American initiative to be a bulwark against tyranny. Today RFE/RL’s mission of promoting free expression in unfree societies is more important than ever.
“Radio Free Europe’s first broadcast was a 30-secind message on July 4, 1950, to people behind the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia.
“RFE/RL brought the music of iconic American musicians like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, The Beach Boys [and] Frank Zappa to millions living under Soviet rule.
RFE/RL was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 1991.
These days, RFE/RL reaches more than 47 million people in 23 countries and 27 languages.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reporters cover some of the world’s most repressive regimes, often at great personal cost. To do their jobs, they risk intimidation, physical harm, imprisonment, and their lives.
“Nearly 20 RFE/RL journalists have been killed in the line of duty. Today, four RFE/RL reporters are behind bars. Journalism is not a crime.”
In conjunction with the EP’s release, R.E.M. is encouraging people to donate to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
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