REM are the latest band to add their voices to the campaign for peace in Iraq.

The band have recorded an anti-war song, ‘Final Straw’, which is available for download on the band’s website.

The version on the website is a rough mix that is distinctly rootsy in its feel, sounding reminiscent of protest-era Bob Dylan – though the lyrics are typically oblique and evocative, rather than directly condemnatory.

The band played the song for the first time at a show in Vancouver last night, to a reportedly emotional response, suggesting that it is likely to become a feature of their live set for the upcoming summer shows, which include a two-day outdoor stint at Marley Park in Dublin.

"This is the strongest voice I could think of to send out there," says frontman Michael Stipe, writing on the site. "We had to send something out there now. We are praying and hoping for the lives of all people involved,
the troops, the Iraqi civilians, refugees, POWs, families of troops, the innocents... that they are safe and okay. Safe home, all."

Former Rage Against The Machine frontman Zack de la Rocha has also made his opinions known, having recorded his own anti-war effort, ‘March Of Death’, in collaboration with DJ Shadow. The song can be downloaded from here.

"Lies, sanctions and cruise missiles have never created a free and just society", he says in a characteristically angry outpouring that is certain not to be played on daytime radio!.