R.E.M. just announced on their website that after 31 years, they are calling it quits. The trio, consisting of Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, and Mike Mills, wrote: “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.” The group’s first album, Murmur, came out in 1983; their last, Collapse Into Now, just this year. They’ve sold over 25 million albums in America and are responsible for many, many singles that you know the words to — “Stand,” “It’s the End of the World As We Know It,” “Losing My Religion,” “Everybody Hurts,” and “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” to name a few. Given their catalogue, in a few years, there will probably be reunion concerts to look forward to; until then, get “Losing My Religion” stuck in your head as a sign of respect. [REM HQ]
