R.E.M. in person performances have always been incredible.
After a 13-year hiatus, the influential indie-rock band R.E.M. has reemerged with a notable performance. On a recent Thursday, during the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the band united to play an acoustic rendition of their hit song “Losing My Religion.” This marked their first public performance since their last appearance in 2008, three years before their official breakup in 2011.
A surprise performance by @remhq last night at their induction into the @SongwritersHOF – Just one song, an acoustic version of “Losing My Religion” – but it was the first time the 4 original members had played together publicly since 2007. More on @CBSMornings pic.twitter.com/XubOAWTOtc
— Anthony Mason (@AnthonyMasonCBS) June 14, 2024
This reunion was particularly special as it brought together the original members of R.E.M.: guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, vocalist Michael Stipe, and drummer Bill Berry. It had been nearly three decades since this lineup had performed together, a significant moment since Berry’s departure in 1997 following a severe health scare—a double brain aneurysm during a concert in 1995.
As they took the stage, Michael Stipe introduced the band with a simple affirmation: “We are R.E.M., and this is what we did.” This brief, poignant reflection underscored the nostalgic and historic nature of their performance.
Despite the joy and excitement surrounding this reunion, the members of R.E.M. have been clear that this event does not signal a larger comeback tour. Both Stipe and Buck have expressed contentment with their decision to end the band’s journey when they did, citing a desire to preserve the band’s legacy without diminishing its impact with attempts to recreate the past. Stipe shared his thoughts on this, indicating that trying to revive the band for a tour wouldn’t live up to their earlier achievements.
After being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, R.E.M. treats the audience with a performance of “Losing My Religion” pic.twitter.com/tWpm3EJU5j
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) June 14, 2024
Formed in 1980 in Athens, Georgia, R.E.M. quickly rose from underground college radio darlings to mainstream success. Their debut album, “Murmur,” was released in 1983 and captured the attention of alternative music fans. By 1988, the release of their album “Green” catapulted them to arena tours across the country, fueled by hits like “Orange Crush” and “Stand.”
The early 1990s marked the pinnacle of their career with successive album releases—“Out of Time,” “Automatic for the People,” and “Monster”—each adding critically acclaimed singles such as “Losing My Religion,” “Everybody Hurts,” and “Man on the Moon” to their repertoire. However, the band experienced a decline in momentum following Berry’s departure, and while their later albums continued to draw large audiences, they did not achieve the same level of commercial or critical success as their earlier works.
Here’s some footage of @remhq – Berry, Buck, Mills, Stipe – playing “Losing My Religion” together tonight at the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction. Just wow. https://t.co/pTdYMoV5Fy
— Annie Zaleski (@anniezaleski) June 14, 2024
At the time of their disbandment, R.E.M. had sold over 90 million albums worldwide and had been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. Their brief return to the stage at the Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony not only served as a reminder of their significant influence on the music industry but also as a fitting homage to their enduring legacy in the world of rock music.
Major Points:
- R.E.M. reunited for the first time in 13 years to perform “Losing My Religion” at the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
- The performance was notable as the original band members—Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe, and Bill Berry—played together for the first time in nearly 30 years.
- This reunion marked the band’s first public appearance since their last concert in 2008 and since disbanding in 2011.
- Despite the excitement of their reunion, band members expressed no interest in a comeback tour, preferring to preserve the legacy of their original disbandment.
- R.E.M., formed in 1980, reached their career peak in the early 90s and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, having sold over 90 million albums worldwide.
Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
