What you need to know:
After more than 20 years without being together, REM surprised their fans by meeting in their hometown for the 41st anniversary of their first album.
There’s no doubt that surprises on a musical level are the order of the day, with exciting news suddenly emerging about the bands and artists we love. However, there are those of us who did not expect that they would be preparing something for us in 2024. This is the case REM, who unexpectedly reunited after nearly 23 years apart.
It was in 2011 when the legendary American band announced that they were saying goodbye after more than three decades together. Spending time on their families and personal projects. We hadn’t seen Michael Stipe, Bill Berry, Peter Buck and Mike Mills together since then, as the only thing they did was supplement their albums with anniversary re-releases and the occasional special song (like the remix they put together for had) to republish The bear).
The members of REM reunited after more than two decades apart
However, it seems so It was time for the members of REM to get back together and on this occasion we have to thank their album mumble. It turns out that a special event was held on February 8th at the 40 Watt Club, a forum in the group’s hometown of Athens Georgia, to celebrate another anniversary of their debut album.
At this event, which was attended by more than 400 happy people, and loud NME, Actor Michael Shannon took part (who you’ll remember for his work on films like Revolutionary Street either Nocturnal animals) and musician Jason Narducy with your groupwhere, in addition to the full interpretation of the band’s first album material, they also play other of their hits.
The band made a surprise appearance with actor Michael Shannon
That alone was a real treat, listening to Shannon sing the songs mumblethe album that introduced the world to REM. No one could have imagined that in the midst of this great event that took place in the city where they were born, neither more nor less than the members of the American group would appear.…just like you read it.
Michael Stipe, Bill Berry, Peter Buck and Mike Mills met again at the 400 Watt Club to attend the celebration of his debut album with Michael Shannon and co. AND although they didn’t play any songs as a group (only Mike, Bill and Peter played a few songs), The band’s frontman and singer spoke some emotional words to thank everyone in attendance.
“On behalf of Bill, Mike and Peter, we are delighted to be here this evening.”In this regard, Stipe explained. And of course the lucky ones who had the chance to be in that exact place and also experience an epic moment, The mere mortals shared with us videos and photos from REM’s brief reunion. Below we leave you a few to take a look at.
– Scene SC (@SceneSC) February 9, 2024
I have always wanted to go to Athens, Georgia for a pilgrimage honoring the B-52 #REM. My friend Mike Shannon and his friends played Murmur at the historic stadium @40WattAthens So I decided it was the right time to go. The real surprise? All four have appeared! ?? pic.twitter.com/kC6aRfu7BD
– Liz Garibay (@LizGaribayChi) February 9, 2024
Mike Mills and Peter Buck played several songs. Bill played one. Michael Stipe just came on stage to say hello twice. pic.twitter.com/ht8GML3tiq
– Liz Garibay (@LizGaribayChi) February 9, 2024
This is definitely one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments. We say it because it goes beyond that Mike Mills revealed that there is still a lot of unreleased REM material that is kept in the trunk of memories and has not yet seen the light, Peter Buck has made it very clear that the band’s split is finalafter Michael Stipe mentioned that they would never get back together to play or do anything together.