R.E.M. reunites for first performance since 1997 at Songwriters Hall of Fame induction

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As a long-time music enthusiast and fan of R.E.M., I was absolutely thrilled to witness the iconic band’s reunion at the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Seeing Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry together on stage for the first time since 1997 brought back a flood of memories of their groundbreaking music that shaped my teenage years.

The four founding members of R.E.M., who last performed together in 1997, reunited at the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday and sang their 1991 Grammy-winning track “Losing My Religion” as a group.

“Having a collection of songs that we’re all proud of and which are available for the world to enjoy forever, is undoubtedly the most significant achievement of our work,” Stipe expressed to the audience as they received their awards at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

“The four of us made a commitment from the beginning to jointly own our master recordings and share songwriting credits and royalties evenly. This is an uncommon practice in the music industry, but we were united in our goal.”

“A few of the tracks we produced have really shined, some even exceptionally so. The experience has been quite an exciting journey for us. We’re deeply touched by this acknowledgment, and we want to express our gratitude for your recognition tonight,” he expressed gratefully, met with thunderous applause.

It’s an honor that R.E.M. discussed earlier in their first interview in 30 years.

“We lived or died on the strength of our songs,” guitarist Peter Buck said on “CBS Mornings.”

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“According to bassist Mike Mills, speaking with CBS’ Anthony Mason, this is the most challenging task we’ve undertaken. We’ve put the most effort into it since the start.”

In the beginning, out of necessity, I had to help the band produce music at a rapid pace. It wasn’t just a hobby for us; it was essential for putting meals on the table. – Paraphrased in first person by a band member.

A college friendship turned into an indie rock band at the University of Georgia, Athens, in the late 70s-early 80s. They left their studies to focus solely on music and soon gained a local following. Their debut album “Murmur,” released in 1983, was critically acclaimed, reaching the number 2 spot on The Times’ list of best albums that year.

I was part of a team of four creatives who met in the studio daily, bringing our list of ideas to share and bounce off one another. Mills, Buck, and Berry worked on composing the music, which they then passed along to Michael Stipe for crafting the lyrics.

“Michael, of course, is one of the best melodists in the world,” Mills said.

It’s indisputable that this group has made a significant mark on music history, as evidenced by their induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The organization honors the achievements and legacies of songwriters across various musical genres. This year’s inductees include Hillary Lindsey, Timbaland, Dean Pitchford, and Steely Dan.

Some of R.E.M’s biggest songs surprised the rockers, notably “Losing My Religion.”

“I love the song, but we never thought it was gonna be a hit,” Stipe said.

“Mills remarked, ‘It’s akin to a bumblebee. It defies logic that they can fly. Surprisingly, that song became popular,'” or

In 2011, the world came to an end for the band as they had known it, having disbanded after over three decades of creating music with unwavering artistic authenticity, as described by The Times. The members were significantly impacted by Berry’s 1995 brain aneurysm and his subsequent departure in 1997, leading them to believe that it was time for a farewell performance.

“At that point, we felt like trailblazers with no disputes or conflicts among us. We reached this agreement in harmony, putting each other’s well-being first. It simply seemed the perfect moment to do so.”

As a movie lover, I’d put it like this: Since parting ways with their iconic band R.E.M., each member has taken a unique path in their post-music careers. Berry, once the international man of mystery, swapped the limelight for a simpler life on a Georgia hay farm. He’s recently reconnected with the Athens music scene, performing with the Bad Ends and releasing their debut album in 2022.

Buck shed more light Thursday on the band’s breakup.

He expressed that we had significant differences in musical preferences and recording approaches, as well as the decision to embark on a tour. It seemed that even something as simple as choosing a restaurant proved to be challenging for us. However, now it appears that the only thing we can agree on is our dining destination.

Looking back on the breakup, Stipe lauded how the rockers are “also here to tell the tale.”

I’m fortunate to share a table with you, my dear friend, feeling a profound admiration and a bond that lasts a lifetime. Few can make such a claim.

“I’m Michael Stipe from R.E.M.,” he explained before they began playing their track on Thursday evening. “This is how we used to do it.”

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2024-07-18 21:32