ATHENS | Musicians form to oppose Walmart store | Business

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - Musicians connected to R.E.M., the Drive-By Truckers and other Georgia bands have created a song and video as part of an effort to stop a Walmart store from opening in Athens.

Atlanta-based Selig Enterprises is developing a proposed retail and residential center near downtown Athens. That has sparked debate over Wal-Mart, though no plans for such a store have been announced.

The Athens Banner-Herald reports that "After It's Gone" was written by Drive-By Truckers frontman Patterson Hood with collaboration from former R.E.M. musician Mike Mills.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. spokesman Bill Wertz tells The Associated Press the company is not currently planning to open an Athens store. He said Wal-Mart has had preliminary talks with the developer of the Athens project, but the developer is also talking to other retailers.