Enter your own “It’s The End of The World” cliché here — (It’s been overdone so I’m not going to do it; but yes, R.E.M has called an end to their world).
The band took to their website to announce the split:
“To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band. We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished. To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening.” R.E.M.
First arriving on the music scene in 1980 out of Athens, Georgia, R.E.M joined the talents of singer Michael Stipe, bassist Mike Mills, guitarist Peter Buck, and drummer Bill Berry. In 1987, Berry left the group, which nearly destroyed them.
In 1992, R.E.M came back as a force with their hit album “Out of Time”, which was nominated for seven Grammys, of which it won three.
My memories of R.E.M mainly include my sister’s love for them. But I think it’s safe to say I’ve always appreciated the group as artists who tried their best not to compromise. And no one does the somber belly ache wail quite like Michael Stipe.