The surprise break-up was officially announced this morning on the band’s official site, with the band issuing the following statement:
“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.”
R.E.M. leave behind a distinguished back catalogue containing some of the defining works of alternative/indie rock, providing a major influence for contemporary proponents of the genre.
The band sold millions of records, evolving into stadium-ruling touring giants since the late ’90s. In March this year the group released what will be their final full-length studio record in the warmly received Collapse Into Now. The band last performed in Australia during a 2005 worldwide tour.
