R.E.M. is an American rock band formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980. Over the course of their career, they released 15 studio albums and became one of the most influential bands in the alternative rock genre. Among their many accomplishments, R.E.M. has won three Grammy Awards, sold over 85 million records worldwide, and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, there are many lesser-known facts about the band that are just as fascinating. Here are 18 of the most interesting R.E.M. facts that you may not have known.
R.E.M. Facts
1 – An interesting fact about the Green album cover which we all know is Orange in colour… but if you stare at the cover intensely for a few seconds then close your eyes it reflects a negative image which is green
2- The fathers of two members of REM share the unusual christian name “Huckle”
3- R.E.M. had a bunch of self-written songs (mounting up to a whole album!) they played live in their first year and then simply discarded them before they recorded their first EP, Chronic Town.
4- R.E.M have had 11 Top Ten hits in the UK with ‘The Great Beyond’ their highest placed single at No 3.
They have had Eight No1 Albums in the UK also.
5- Myles copeland is brother of the police drummer
6- They were named “Best Band in America” by Rolling Stone magazine in 1987.
7- They Ranked #50 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Artists of Rock & Roll
8- The name R.E.M. was chosen randomly by Michael from a dictionary
9- In 1996 R.E.M signed with Warner Brothers for the largest recording contract advance in history. $80 million was guaranteed for a five-album contract.
10- Michael Stipe is actually two toddlers on each other’s shoulders wearing a long coat ( the ‘mustard’ in the mid 80’s was actually mashed banana or avocado, depending on which toddler was on top). Bill Berry was actually a bag of cats until the cats escaped.
11- Their first TV appearance was on David Letterman’s old NBC show
12- When R.E.M first started playing gigs they performed covers of ‘Needles and Pins’, The Sex Pistols ‘ God Save The Queen’ and California Su
13- Chronic Town’ was voted Album Of The Year by Rolling Stone magazine in 1983
14- The first time Bill Berry and Mike Mills met they hated each other. At a subsequent jam session (pre Buck and Stipe) Berry said had he not just finished setting up his drum kit he’d have walked out the room when he saw Mike Mills turn up.
15- Music video “Losing My Religion” was ranked #19 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Videos.
16- Michael Stype encouraged LA band Dream 6 to change their name to Concrete Blonde. Both Peter Buck & John Keane played on their 1989 album, Bloodletting
17- Pete worked in a little record store at Emory called Doodah’s. One day a grease fire in the burger joint next door caused the whole block to burn down. Pete moved to Athens and the rest is history. If not for a grease fire there would never have been REM.
18- 1983 debut album “Murmur” was ranked #92 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Albums
R.E.M. Facts
- Formation: R.E.M. was formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980. The original members included Michael Stipe (vocals), Peter Buck (guitar), Mike Mills (bass), and Bill Berry (drums).
- Early Days: The band started out playing in local clubs and quickly gained a following in the Athens music scene.
- I.R.S. Records: R.E.M. signed with I.R.S. Records and released their debut album, “Murmur,” in 1983. It was critically acclaimed and is considered one of the greatest albums of all time.
- Alternative Pioneers: R.E.M. is often credited with helping to pioneer the alternative rock genre.
- Chart Success: The band had numerous chart-topping hits, including “Losing My Religion,” “The One I Love,” and “Everybody Hurts.”
- Unique Vocal Style: Michael Stipe’s unique and often indecipherable vocal style became one of the band’s trademarks.
- Bill Berry’s Departure: In 1997, drummer Bill Berry left the band to pursue a career in farming, and R.E.M. continued as a trio.
- Grammy Awards: R.E.M. won several Grammy Awards during their career, including Best Alternative Music Album and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
- Greenpeace and Activism: R.E.M. was actively involved in various social and environmental causes, including their support for Greenpeace.
- Documentary Film: The band released a documentary film titled “R.E.M. by MTV” in 2014, chronicling their career and the impact of music videos on their success.
- “Automatic for the People”: This 1992 album is one of their most iconic and features songs like “Everybody Hurts” and “Man on the Moon.”
- Breakthrough Album: “Out of Time,” released in 1991, was a commercial and critical success, and it included the hit single “Losing My Religion.”
- Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: R.E.M. was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
- Hiatus and Breakup: In 2011, R.E.M. announced their breakup after over three decades of making music together.
- Side Projects: After the breakup, members of R.E.M. pursued various solo and side projects, including Michael Stipe’s visual art and photography.
- Influence on Other Bands: R.E.M. has been a major influence on many other bands and artists in the alternative and indie rock genres.
- Compilation Albums: The band released several compilation albums, including “Eponymous” and “In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003.”
- “Monster”: This 1994 album represented a departure from their previous sound and featured a louder and more rock-oriented style.
- “Collapse into Now”: R.E.M.’s final studio album, released in 2011, featured guest appearances by artists like Eddie Vedder and Patti Smith.
- Legacy: R.E.M.’s music and impact on the alternative rock scene have left a lasting legacy, and they remain influential in the world of rock music.
