R.E.M, one of the world’s premier rock bands, have announced their decision to split after over three decades together, reports Rolling Stone.
The band broke the news via a post on their official website, which read: “To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band. We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished. To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening.”
Since then, individual statements from the three members have appeared, with Michael Stipe commenting:
“A wise man once said–‘the skill in attending a party is knowing when it’s time to leave. We built something extraordinary together. We did this thing. And now we’re going to walk away from it.
“I hope our fans realize this wasn’t an easy decision; but all things must end, and we wanted to do it right, to do it our way.
“We have to thank all the people who helped us be R.E.M. for these 31 years; our deepest gratitude to those who allowed us to do this. It’s been amazing.”
Albums such as ‘Murmur‘, ‘Document‘ and ‘Green‘ remain some of the stand-out releases of the 80s, while 1992 LP ‘Automatic For The People‘ catapulted the band to mainstream superstardom.
I would love my poenm to be set to new R.E.M music
It Makes Me Sad When I hear That Song
by Peter Hewett,
In response to the song ‘Everybody Hurts’
sung by R.E.M Bangkok. January 2008
It makes me sad when I hear that song,
So sad I can’t sing along.
‘Everybody Hurts’, that’s how it goes-everybody knows.
Memories; ah the touch goes too deep,
Makes me heave- Makes me weep
Makes me regret-hurts me- makes me fret.
My son played it every time he came,
But back there, his songs seemed the same
Then my mind was damaged- was lame- still I feel the shame
I wish I had understood – heard the words at first,
I would have sensed his pain- his rightful claim
He was playing it for me- I did not see.
‘Everybody hurts- hold on – hold on…’ the singer sings.
He is right, despite the pain it brings.
I am glad it’s the past, tho’ deep waters tend to last.
‘Everybody hurts sometimes’, that’s the way it goes.
‘Sometimes’: yes it ebbs and flows
I have to hear the song-have to follow along
Makes me cry when I hear that refrain
Words-so evocative-bring on the pain
Of wasted chance- a relationship to enhance
But, as the message says- I’m not the only one
I am blessed- I have my son
That song makes me think- makes my heart sink