R.E.M. Disbands (Don't call it a break-up)

R.E.M. has just announced that they will no longer continue making music as a band. They're not breaking up as this is a group decision made by five musicians that have spent the past 31 years together. They've just decided that the time has come for them to move on. Cue the R.E.M. reunion tour in 2020.

R.E.M. was hugely influential to me in my musical evolution from a kid that listened to whatever his parents played and what was on radio into someone that sought out new music and listened less to what others told me and more to what spoke to me.
With that, I'm sad to see them go though I had long since realized they would never able to top what they did in the 80's.

Murmur (1983)
Reckoning (1984)
Fables of the Reconstruction (1985)
Lifes Rich Pageant (1986)
Document (1987)
Green (1988)

How could any band beat that streak? Six albums that changed the face of both college and mainstream radio. They were a giant part in bringing 'alternative rock' to commercial outlets. Dare I say more-so than any other American band. R.E.M. also brought a return to the simple idea that a band should put together a cohesive album as opposed to one gem surrounded by subpar filler tracks; this in the middle of the all to prevalent 'one hit wonder' plague of the 80's. They were and still are an American legend despite the lack of respect they receive by most in our time.

So, I say, "Farewell Guys. You had an amazing run and your brilliant music will outlive us all."


Click here for the NPR Article with quotes from the band.