R.E.M. is set to release a new limited-edition 10” orange vinyl EP, titled Radio Free Europe 2025, on September 12 in support of Radio Free Europe. The news of the reissue of the band’s debut single was timed to commemorate Radio Free Europe’s 75th anniversary, while also aligning 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,” R.E.M. singer Michael Stipe said in a statement. “On World Press Freedom Day, I’m sending a shout-out to the brave journalists at Radio Free Europe.” The EP includes three versions of R.E.M.’s 1981 anthem – the original Hib-Tone single version, an unreleased dub remix by producer Mitch Easter, and a new 2025 remix by Jacknife Lee – along with the single’s original B-side, “Sitting Still,” and “Wh. Tornado,” an instrumental track the band wrote the same day as “Radio Free Europe.” The EP is currently available for digital download, with proceeds from vinyl sales benefiting RFE/RL, a nonpartisan and nonprofit corporation. (Rolling Stone)
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