R.E.M. reunites for Songwriters Hall of Fame induction, talks breakup and longtime friendship
Courtesy: FRANK OCKENFELS III via Rolling Stone
Athens, Georgia's R.E.M. is getting inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in a rare interview, the band opened up about their breakup, songwriting process, and lasting friendship.
For the first time in nearly 30 years, all four original members – Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry – sat down together for an interview on "CBS Mornings."
The interview delved into the band's origins at the University of Georgia, their collaborative songwriting process, and the pressure of churning out hits. Stipe even joked that Buck was always pushing them for the next album.
Despite the pressure, the band produced iconic songs like "Losing My Religion," a song Mills believes "should never have been a hit."
The interview also touched on Bill Berry's departure in 1997 after a brain aneurysm. Buck admitted the band struggled to find common ground musically after Berry left.
While there's no reunion tour on the horizon, the band members emphasized their deep respect and lifelong friendship. Reflecting on their breakup, Buck said, "We quit at the right time."
Don't hold your breath for a comeback though – Mills jokingly said it would take "a comet" to get them back together.