R.E.M. - R.I.P.

R.E.M. have called it a day. The band who were well respected as a live band, made several headline appearances at UK festivals over the years, and were often cited on the hopeful headlining wishlists of many.

	R.E.M.

A statement on the band's website, (here), says, "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. .

The influential American indie rockers formed in Georgia, USA in 1980 and included singer Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry. They last came to the UK in 2008 appearing at Oxegen, and T in the Park alongside a nationwide stadium tour. They also made memorable appearances at Hyde Park, and Isle Of Wight, and Glastonbury festivals.

R.E.M. released 15 albums including Murmur, Reckoning, Document, Out of Time and Automatic For the People. The band's final album, Collapse Into Now, was released in March of this year.

Michael Stipe, shared his thoughts on why now, "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.

"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."

They will be fondly remembered for their live shows by many festival goers.