ICONIC rock band REM has reunited and performed for the first time in nearly two decades.
The band recently spoke about how it would take a lot for them to get back together.
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They performed at the Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony in New York City on June 13.
The band sang an acoustic version of their hit, Losing My Religion.
This is the first time the quartet has performed together since 2007 at their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.
REM split up in 2011 after pursuing solo projects.
They were a trio from 1997 until their breakup due to drummer Bill Berry suffering a brain aneurysm on stage two years prior.
Aside from Bill, REM consists of Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe.
The band is best known for their songs Losing My Religion, It’s the End of the World as We Know It, and Everybody Hurts.
GETTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER
During an interview with CBS Mornings, REM discussed what it would take for them to get back together.
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“A comet,” Mike joked.
“Super glue,” joked Bill.
When the interviewer asked the band why they are so hesitant to get back together, Peter said that they would never be as good as they were.
He also explained why REM broke up and if they are on good terms now.
“At that point, there wasn’t anything we could agree on, really, musically,” Peter said.
“What kind of music, how to record it, are we gonna go on tour — we could barely agree on where to go to dinner! And now we can just agree on where to go to dinner.”
More on REM
The rock band REM formed in 1980 in Georgia and were one of the first alternative rock bands. REM consisted of four members until 1997 and they continued on as a trio until 2011 when they all parted ways. Find out who made up the band.
Bill Berry – drummer, percussion, backing vocals, occasional bass and keyboards (1980 until 1997), he suffered a brain aneurysm on stage in 1995 and left the band two years later.
Peter Buck – lead guitar, mandolin, banjo, occasional bass, keyboards and drums (1980 to 2011).
Mike Mills – bass, keyboards, backing vocals, occasional lead vocals and guitar, (1980 to 2011).
Michael Stipe – lead vocals, occasional harmonica, percussion and guitar, (1980 to 2011)
However, they revealed that they have remained on good terms since their split.
“We’re sitting at the same table together with deep admiration from lifelong friendship,” Michael said.
“A lot of people that do this can’t claim that.”
HALL OF FAME
Michael spoke on behalf of the band at the Songwriters Hall of Fame after being inducted by country star Jason Isbell.
“Writing songs and having a catalogue of work that we’re all proud of that is out there for the rest of the world for all time is hands-down the most important aspect of what we did,” he said.
“Second to that is that we managed to do so all those decades and remain friends. And not just friends, dear friends.”
“We are four people that very early on decided that we would own our own masters and we would split our royalties and songwriting credits equally,” Michael continued.
“All for one and one for all.”
During their interview, REM said that being inducted was a “huge honor” because they “lived or died” on the strength of their songs.
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