R.E.M. reunite for first performance in 16 years
After forming in 1980, R.E.M. called it quits in 2011, making their final live public appearance together in 2008. Yet, for the first time in 16 years, the band have performed together, playing an acoustic rendition of ‘Losing My Religion’ at the Songwriters Hall Of Fame.
The band made a speech first, sharing their gratitude for being inducted. Lead vocalist Michael Stipe took charge, saying, “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. Second to that is that we managed to do so all those decades and remain friends. And not just friends, dear friends.”
He added, “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. All for one and one for all.”
After the speech, they began playing their most popular hit, ‘Losing My Religion’, which was released in 1991 as part of their seventh record, Out of Time. Reaching number four in the United States, the song remains one of their most recognisable songs, making it the perfect tune for the band to reunite with.
The unexpected performance came after R.E.M. did their first interview in 30 years, which aired on CBS yesterday (June 13th). Discussing the band’s induction, Mike Mills, the band’s bassist, said, “[Songwriting] is the hardest thing that we do, and it’s the thing that we’ve worked on most from the very beginning.” He also added that he’d have to see a “comet” for the band to reunite.
While Mills might not have spotted a comet, he was down for a surprise acoustic reunion, much to the delight of fans. Although some listeners are now hoping that this could mean a proper reunion is on the horizon, the band haven’t teased any other future performances, making this unlikely.
Lead guitarist Peter Buck explained that “It’d never be as good” if they were to reunite all these years later.
Watch the clip of the band performing ‘Losing My Religion’ below.
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