R.E.M.

Biography

R.E.M. was formed in 1980 in Athens, Georgia, by Michael Stipe (vocals), Peter Buck (guitar), Mike Mills (bass), and Bill Berry (drums), four college friends who played their first show at a friend's birthday party in an abandoned church. The band quickly became a cornerstone of the burgeoning alternative rock scene, releasing their debut EP 'Chronic Town' in 1982, followed by a series of critically acclaimed albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Their music, characterized by jangly guitars, enigmatic lyrics, and a blend of folk and rock influences, helped define the college rock genre and set the stage for the alternative explosion of the early 1990s[1][2][3].

R.E.M.'s sound drew on a wide array of influences, including the Byrds, Velvet Underground, Big Star, and Patti Smith, but they forged a distinct identity through Stipe's poetic lyricism and Buck's melodic guitar work. Albums like 'Out of Time' (1991) and 'Automatic for the People' (1992) brought them mainstream success, with hits such as 'Losing My Religion' and 'Everybody Hurts.' The band was known for its relentless touring and work ethic, as well as for maintaining creative control over their music and image. After drummer Bill Berry left in 1997, R.E.M. continued as a trio, experimenting with new sounds on albums like 'Up' and 'Reveal.' In 2007, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2011, after more than three decades, the band amicably disbanded, leaving a profound legacy in rock music[1][2][3].

Fun Facts

• R.E.M. took their name from the sleep phase 'rapid eye movement,' which Michael Stipe reportedly chose at random from a dictionary[2].
• Their first show was played at a friend's birthday party in an abandoned church in Athens, Georgia, on April 5, 1980[1][3].
• Drummer Bill Berry left the band in 1997 after suffering a brain aneurysm but remained on good terms with the other members[2].
• R.E.M. was one of the first major acts to sign a record deal that granted them complete creative control over their music and artwork[3].

Members

• Bill Berry - drums (drum set) (from 1980 until 1997-10)
• Peter Buck - guitar (from 1980 until 2011-09-21)
• Mike Mills - background vocals, bass guitar, keyboard (from 1980 until 2011-09-21)
• Michael Stipe - lead vocals (from 1980 until 2011-09-21)

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• The Byrds - Major stylistic influence, especially in jangly guitar sound (Influence evident throughout R.E.M.'s early catalog) [1980s]
• Patti Smith - Inspirational figure for Michael Stipe's lyrical approach (General influence on songwriting and attitude) [1980s]
• Big Star - Power pop and melodic sensibility influence (General influence on songwriting) [1980s]

Key Collaborators

• Bill Berry - Founding drummer, core band member (All albums from 1980–1997) [1980–1997]
• Peter Buck - Founding guitarist, core band member (All albums) [1980–2011]
• Mike Mills - Founding bassist/keyboardist, core band member (All albums) [1980–2011]
• Joe Boyd - Producer, collaborated on 'Fables of the Reconstruction' ('Fables of the Reconstruction' (1985)) [1985]

Artists Influenced

• Radiohead - Inspired by R.E.M.'s approach to alternative rock and artistic integrity (General influence on early Radiohead sound) [1990s]
• Nirvana - Cited R.E.M. as a major influence on songwriting and ethos (General influence on grunge/alternative movement) [1990s]
• The Decemberists - Inspired by R.E.M.'s blend of folk and rock, and narrative lyricism (General influence on songwriting) [2000s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Losing My Religion (Out Of Time (25th Anniversary Edition))
2. Everybody Hurts (Automatic For The People)
3. Shiny Happy People (Out Of Time (25th Anniversary Edition))
4. Man On The Moon (Automatic For The People)
5. It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) (Document (R.E.M. No. 5))
6. The One I Love - Remastered 2012 (Document - 25th Anniversary Edition)
7. Drive (Automatic For The People)
8. Orange Crush - Remastered 2013 (Green (Remastered))
9. Nightswimming (Automatic For The People)
10. Imitation Of Life

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #2008-universal-fire-victim, #acoustic-rock, #alternative-country