R.E.M. Breaks Up!

The alternative rock band, R.E.M., has officially split up after 31 years together, having produced 15 albums.

What? Oh no! We think we’re gonna lose our religion over this one…

…or at least we would have had this news come out in 1995.

Still, the band was a great one regardless of peak time and deserves a final standing ovation.

From Everybody Hurts to Losing My Religion, the band was best known for their melodic songs accompanied by thought-provoking music videos (like the one above).

After their breakthrough commercial success in the 90s, R.E.M. began experimenting with other sounds in the early 2000s. Although their music dropped off the Top 100 charts, fans and critics still held them on a high pedestal of respect.

In 2007, they were deservedly inducted into Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame.

On their website, they released an official unified statement announcing the split, followed by individual messages:

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.

Michael: A wise man once said – ‘the skill in attending a party is knowing when it’s time to leave.’ We built something extraordinary together. We did this thing. And now we’re going to walk away from it.”

Mike: There’s no disharmony here, no falling-outs, no lawyers squaring-off. We’ve made this decision together, amicably and with each other’s best interests at heart. The time just feels right.

It’s a sad day for their most dedicated of fans, but the music they gave the world will transcend time on dozens of movie soundtracks.

Thank you, R.E.M., for your amazing musical gifts! We wish you each the best of luck in your future endeavors.