R.E.M.
Biography
R.E.M. was an American rock band formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980 by lead singer Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and drummer Bill Berry. They were one of the first popular alternative rock bands. Their musical style has been described as alternative rock, college rock, folk rock, jangle pop, and post-punk. The band's name refers to the rapid eye movement stage of sleep.
Formation and Early Years
The members of R.E.M. met in Athens, Georgia, in 1980 while they were students at the University of Georgia. Stipe and Buck became friends after meeting at a record store. They soon met Mills and Berry, and the four decided to form a band. Their first performance was at a friend's party in a converted church. After gaining a following in the Athens music scene, they released their debut single, "Radio Free Europe," in 1981. This was followed by the EP "Chronic Town" in 1982.
Breakthrough and Mainstream Success
R.E.M.'s debut album, "Murmur," was released in 1983 to critical acclaim, with Rolling Stone magazine naming it Album of the Year. The band's profile grew with subsequent albums like "Reckoning" (1984) and "Fables of the Reconstruction" (1985). Their 1987 album, "Document," was a commercial breakthrough, featuring the hit single "The One I Love." In 1988, R.E.M. signed with Warner Bros. Records and released "Green," which continued their success.
The 1991 album "Out of Time" made R.E.M. an international phenomenon, propelled by the hit single "Losing My Religion." The album sold over 18 million copies worldwide. Their next album, "Automatic for the People" (1992), was also a massive success, featuring songs like "Everybody Hurts" and "Man on the Moon." The band's 1994 album, "Monster," took on a harder rock sound. In 1996, the band re-signed with Warner Bros. for a reported $80 million, which at the time was the most expensive recording contract ever.
Later Career and Disbandment
In 1997, drummer Bill Berry left the band after suffering a brain aneurysm on stage in 1995. The remaining members continued as a trio, releasing albums such as "Up" (1998), "Reveal" (2001), and "Collapse into Now" (2011). On September 21, 2011, R.E.M. announced on their website that they were amicably disbanding. The members have since pursued individual projects, and have stated that they do not plan to reunite.
Legacy
R.E.M. is widely regarded as a pioneer of the alternative rock genre. They influenced numerous bands, including Nirvana, Pavement, and Coldplay. The band has sold over 90 million albums worldwide. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2024.