Biographic - Sunday May 11, 2008 Comic Strip Licensing and Permissions

Transcript

R.E.M. Named for the "Rapid Eye Movement" stage of the sleep cycle R.E.M was formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980 by Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry. Constant touring and the support of college radio made the band a success on the "Alternative" circuit before mainstream success came with the 1987 top 10 hit "The One I Love." the following year, the band signed a major label deal and hit the charts with "Stand" The band's seventh album, the 1990s, "Out of Time." topped the charts on both sides of the Atlantic, selling 12 million copies worldwide and spawning such hits as "Losing My Religion" and "Shiny Happy People" the album earned R.E.M seven Grammy nominations. 1992's multi-platinum "Automatic For the People" produced another string of hits, including "Everybody Hurts." in 1994, "Monster" topped the album charts. Although the band's first tour in six years was beset by health problems-berry suffered a brain aneurysm and both Mills and Stipe underwent surgery for minor ailments. In 1996, the band signed a new record deal, reportedly worth a staggering $80 million. Bill Berry left, on amicable terms, in 1977, and R.E.M has continued since then as a trio, subsequent output has met with mixed critical and commercial success, but the band has continued to work and campaign on social and political issues. R.e.M. was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

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