Ahead of the elections next week, R.E.M. has released a new lyric video for their 1986 hit “I Believe” as part of their campaign “We Are Hope With The Times” to motivate U.S. citizens to vote in the presidential elections.
The band emphasized the importance of voting, especially with the upcoming elections. Last month, R.E.M. launched the digital compilation “We Are Hope With The Times” to celebrate National Voter Registration Day.
The video for “I Believe” aims to further convince people to head to the polls next week. In a social media statement, lead singer Michael Stipe highlighted the significance of this election, urging voters to encourage others to participate: “I believe the choices in this election couldn’t be stronger or more important. Vote and encourage everyone you know to do the same—this is how we win in 2024, and I believe we can do it!!!”
R.E.M. debut new lyric video for ‘I Believe’ to encourage people to vote https://t.co/cimqLQ9Qxg
— Rolling Stone UK (@RollingStoneUK) October 31, 2024
R.E.M. debut new lyric video for ‘I Believe’ to encourage people to vote https://t.co/cimqLQ9Qxg
— Rolling Stone UK (@RollingStoneUK) October 31, 2024
The video was created by longtime artistic director Chris Bilheimer and draws inspiration from designs Stipe made during R.E.M.’s “Fables of the Reconstruction” tour, as well as from politically-themed T-shirts he wore at the 1991 MTV VMAs. At that event, the band used their acceptance speech for Best Video for “Losing My Religion” to highlight issues like gun control, reproductive rights, voting rights, and alternative energy sources.
R.E.M. has consistently underscored the importance of voter participation. In 2016, Stipe and bassist Mike Mills expressed their concerns about Donald Trump’s presidency, hoping his election would galvanize disillusioned American voters.
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