R.E.M. say goodbye after 31 years together

The alternative rock band R.E.M. announced yesterday on a statement in their website they are splitting up after more than three decades on the road.

With 15 albums under their belt and a bunch of hits like Man on the Moon, Losing my Religion or Everybody Hurts, the band, initially a quartet transforming to a trio after drummer Bill Berry’s departure in 1997, insisted it was an amicable parting and the only reason to that decision is that each member want to build the groundwork for solo careers.

Each of them have posted individual statements explaining the sudden breaking up and thanking fans for their unconditional support through all these years.

Frontman Michal Stipe said: “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. 

“I hope our fans realize this wasn't an easy decision; but all things must end, and we wanted to do it right, to do it our way” 

He added: “We have to thank all the people who helped us be R.E.M. for these 31 years; our deepest gratitude to those who allowed us to do this. It's been amazing.”

Mike Mills, bassist, said: “During our last tour, and while making “Collapse Into Now” and putting together this greatest hits retrospective, we started asking ourselves, 'what next'? Working through our music and memories from over three decades was a hell of a journey. We realized that these songs seemed to draw a natural line under the last 31 years of our working together. 

“We have always been a band in the truest sense of the word. Brothers who truly love, and respect, each other. We feel kind of like pioneers in this--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.”

Guitarist Peter Buck added: “One of the things that was always so great about being in R.E.M. was the fact that the records and the songs we wrote meant as much to our fans as they did to us. It was, and still is, important to us to do right by you. Being a part of your lives has been an unbelievable gift. Thank you. 

“Mike, Michael, Bill, Bertis, and I walk away as great friends. I know I will be seeing them in the future, just as I know I will be seeing everyone who has followed us and supported us through the years. Even if it's only in the vinyl aisle of your local record store, or standing at the back of the club: watching a group of 19 year olds trying to change the world.”

R.E.M. released “Collapse Into Now” (Warner Bros.) earlier this year to complete in that way the prefect music legacy.

We leave you with out Top 5 favourite songs from Stipe and Co.

1. Shiny Happy People

2. Losing my Religion

3. Man on the Moon

4. Imitation of Life

5. The Great Beyond