R.E.M. will re-release their classic debut single “Radio Free Europe” to help raise funds for the actual Radio Free Europe, which has recently been targeted by the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM).
The five-track, limited-edition 10″ orange vinyl Radio Free Europe EP also celebrates the 75th anniversary of Radio Free Europe, and coincides with World Press Freedom Day on May 3.
“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,” R.E.M. singer Michael Stipe said in a statement.
The Radio Free Europe EP features three versions of the title track — the original Hib-Tone single version, an unreleased 1981 dub remix by producer Mitch Easter, and a new 2025 remix by Jacknife Lee — as well as the single’s original B-side “Sitting Still” and “Wh. Tornado,” a surf-rock instrumental the band wrote the same day as “Radio Free Europe.”
The EP is available to download digitally now, with the orange vinyl available to preorder ahead of its Sept. 12 release. Proceeds from all vinyl sales will go to RFE/RL, an editorially independent nonpartisan and nonprofit corporation.
In March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order seeking to dismantle seven more federal agencies, including USAGM, the overseer of the government-funded media outlet Voice of America (VOA).
VOA, which transmits U.S. news into other countries, has long been a target of Trump and conservatives, who accuse the broadcaster of having an overtly liberal and anti-Trump bias. The USAGM also oversees Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty, and Radio Free Asia, each of which was also impacted by Trump’s latest cuts.
“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,” bassist Mike Mills added in a statement.
Radio Free Europe EP Track List
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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)
