Extended interview: R.E.M. on songwriting, breaking up and their lifelong friendship

[@MichaelBosley]

Bless Bill. Didn't realise how hard it was for him all these years later. A masterclass in friendship and band dynamics.

[@STPfuzzDemon]

The other guys have aged well but seems like that stroke/aneurysm took its toll on 'em.

[@vailpcs4040]

I saw them at the start of the tour in '95 and they were amazing. I then saw a makeup show in 96 or 97 without him and it wasn't the same. Glad he's still with us!

[@gurianboy]

I've collected thousands of recordings. Only in the case of REM did I buy without fail the latest release the day of or the day prior. By the time it was getting airplay I knew every nuance by rote. I'm not a religious person but where this canon was created I held a spot on my pew that was unshakable.

[@larrydavid6852]

And perspective.

[@Bat_Boy]

Their first tour, (for the Murmur album), I saw them at Sheppard AFB, TX in summer 1983. The small crowd hated them. I met Mitch Easter, the producer, outside, and we had a small conversation about how rowdy the crowd was. Young military people were big into heavy metal, and REM sounded like garbage to them. And as a punker myself, I couldn't really see how they could be success. And of course, I was very wrong.

[@practicewarriors]

Hats off to the interviewer who not only asked REALLY intelligent and insightful questions, but who also gave them space to answer them at their own pace. Really a pro job!!

[@DrewMoody]

Yeah but he really needed to be muted while the group was talking. "Yes. Yeah. Yep. Uh huh. Yup. Right. Yes. Yeah. Uh huh."

[@isitrealgood]

It's become more in vogue to criticize interviewers. It's their job not only to ask the questions, both base-level and hard, but maintain the conversation, be engaged, act as if you want to know the answers.

[@csfan65]

Anthony Mason always conducts a good interview. Been watching his interviews for years on CBS Sunday Morning.

[@practicewarriors]

@@isitrealgood Indeed. I think he succeeded, especially because, Mike Mills maybe aside, this isn’t the most talkative quartet. He drew a lot out of these guys.

[@practicewarriors]

@@csfan65 Conducting interviews is a gift. I interview all kinds of musicians on my site (and channel), and you’ve really got to do your research and work hard to keep things engaged. He did great!

[@JL-mu9sl]

Broke up, lived well. "The most important thing about going to a party is knowing when to leave." - Michael Stipe

[@BryanCooperOfficial]

Living well is the best revenge.

[@turkwendell6904]

A lot of people have said that that's not a quote

[@BryanCooperOfficial]

​@@turkwendell6904 It seems that Stipe was quoting a quote when announcing the disbandment of R.E.M. in a statement posted on their website, “A wise man once said - ‘the skill in attending a party is knowing when it’s time to leave.’"

[@kejannot]

"The secret to a long life is knowing when it's time to go." -- Michelle Shocked.

[@alankoslowski9473]

True, though I think it's probably not coincidental they didn't disband until finishing their Warner contract.

[@conorfurlong]

I really would like to thank everyone involved in making this interview happen. To see the four of them together discussing at length the history of the band is a privilege. R.E.M. are to me what The Beatles were to my parents’ generation, can you imagine what that generation would give to be able to see the four Beatles all around a table all looking back on their time together as a band. That’s how I feel watching this.

[@christya3970]

I love that Michael Stipe goes on KZbin and marvels at live R.E.M. performances just like I do. 😄

[@johnscarr70]

Wichita lineman? Love that one.

[@keysgirltye1]

Mike Mills, you are the best.

[@vincevirtua]

He has decent taste, right?

[@OurFamilyInMotion]

What jumps out at me watching this amazing interview is how much mutual respect exists in this band of brothers.

[@coreyzimmerman9782]

How many groups, every member wrote a hit song? REM, CCNY, QUEEN......

[@tomshetty7992]

U2

[@emich28]

Great point. Mutual respect is the way to go through life.

[@darraballance4541]

“No one else sounded like us” gosh so true. A unique sound. What a delight to see them all together.

[@phila3884]

I heard Radio Free Europe on college radio in 1981, when REM was still underground. Blown away by that sound, from the first listen.

[@EvgeniyNeutralMusician]

Back in that time it was authentic and new. But after tons of others sounded exactly like them.

[@robertkuhn-qr6vb]

No one sounded like Wham either!

[@intelligenceofacertainkind]

Most of their songs are just traditional folk songs played on electric instruments with different lyrics added. Not saying that is bad but it's not particularly creative or original. There are plenty of folk rock bands who sound quite similar musically. That said I will agree that the lyrics were original and different though. Without Michael Stipe's lyrics and singing I think they wouldn't have got anywhere. They were very lucky to meet Michael.

[@ChuckEWeiss-fk6vr]

They were always accused of being 4 of the nicest people in popular music, and thank God for that. Love this band.

[@DocRobertable]

Michael - 64 Peter-67 Mike -65 Bill - 65 That seemed to happen all of a sudden. Time waits for no man it would seem.

[@johnvalencia9927]

I'm actually surprised they're not older. I remember hearing Losing my religion all the time on the radio when it was new in '91. I was 5 in Colorado. That truly seems like multiple lifetimes ago.

[@duckbrew]

Time waits not for any of us.... I adored that band in the early mid 80's. Huge part of my life.

[@christopheguillaume4032]

Time is a serial killer.

[@dannyaraya8017]

crazy to think they were in their 30’s already while being all over mtv, touring, having success

[@Scott__C]

Are you saying they'll soon be.....Out of Time?

[@DanielleBachmann-v2n]

I got so emotionnal when Bill talked. 4 decent human beings.❤❤❤

[@alankoslowski9473]

Since he expressed some regret a couple years or so after leaving I wonder why he didn't rejoin? I think I remember the other band-members saying the door was open if he wanted to return.

[@sergep71]

Enjoyed Rick Beato's video with Mike. Ready to enjoy this.

[@playhooky]

Yes!

[@kipponi]

It was great too.

[@kimdawcatgirl]

Yes! I came here after Rick's interview!

[@WSBM]

rick's interview WAY BETTER

[@gates69]

Rick really is a national treasure for all of us music fans out here. He is such a great interviewer. I’ve watched him interview people who I don’t care about but will stay tuned because I end up learning something interesting.

[@markrockwell6670]

This is amazing. Thank you CBS and Anthony Mason for putting this together. Thank you R.E.M.!

[@treelzebub]

I wanna give Bill a hug so bad 😭 I've loved this band since the late 80s, and it's just so awesome to see how chill and down-to-earth they remain. These dudes signed what was at the time the most expensive recording contract of all time--in an era when Michael Jackson was still the King of Pop. And ~30 years later, they're still a close group of friends who temper awareness of what they've accomplished with a ton of humility. Forever in my heart, thanks for all the tunes 💜

[@dextersmithbsee]

Me too. I started listening to them intensely in 1987, my first year in college.

[@zackwilliams9912]

They’re long overdue for the Kennedy Center Honors for their contributions to American culture and rock music. They put out consistent music since the 80s. U2 already have their medallion, so why not R.E.M.?

[@thinman45]

Coz Obama was hip to the music,the last 2 not so much.

[@betpow]

they'll get there...always thought it's very weird the Rolling Stones aren't in considering so much of the British Invasion is

[@ST-xg3gy]

Truly.

[@Alan-gi2ku]

Please don’t mention U2. Bono and the Edge, ugh, they can’t even use their real names.

[@peterjonas4971]

@@Alan-gi2ku Amen.

[@johnblake4523]

Thank you CBS Mornings / Anthony Mason for doing this. Best band ever.

[@garfieldharrison510]

Best BAND EVER REALLY? Okay. I disagree but then I’m aware of only three songs from them. Not the whole catalogue. I mean I Like Michael Stipe Voice definitely works in the studio.

[@anthonyhainan4567]

Stipe is great live

[@upscaleshack]

@@garfieldharrison510 If you only know 3 REM songs are you really in a place to comment about them at all?

[@garfieldharrison510]

@@upscaleshack yes, of course. Highly qualified. I toured like them. I write songs like them, and I respect artists. But, to coin them as the best band ever,I don’t think so. What I respect about them is the work ethic. People think because certain recording artists like myself hasn’t connected with a big hit,can’t comment on such a band. Performance wise they were okay,but they came armed with songs. Like I said the three I heard stands out. I don’t need to know all. The Beatles of course I know a plethora of their work. Why do you think so? The Eagles, lots of song I know. Earth Wind and Fire, a plethora of songs.Its all about connecting and appealing to the listener. To me they were not an MTV visually appealing Band. It doesn’t matter. They are still great for what they contributed to the industry. Losing My Religion is a classic. Everyone can still explore the rest of the work based on that one song alone. I appreciate your comment. Maybe one day you can check out my songs which have been released. One day I will connect with that one song. It only takes one.

[@daviddaniels8]

no the bestles are the best band ever rem not even close.

[@daveowen9481]

It’s so lovely to see Bill with them. Great guys, all of them.

[@ALong-fo5so]

It was emotional seeing him with the band. Bill’s contribution cannot be underestimated. REM was never the same when Bill left

[@meltedwheeliebin]

This band meant so much to me for so long. Thank you R.E.M.

[@richard-mr1vz]

That’s such a nice sentiment!😂😂…I know exactly what you mean, it was like we were living and breathing for what was next for this incredible band…I specifically remember the anticipation of Green what with the new recording contract on WB Records and being blown away by Orange Crush….

[@sjaakblaauw556]

These guys had an amazing record deal…. They cleaned up. No need to get back on the road. Good for them. Friends for life, that’s amazing.

[@briansmith2163]

At the time it was the most $ record deal ever signed ! I wonder if they still owe the company an album or two ?

[@Alan-gi2ku]

@@briansmith2163 Nope. It was for 5 albums starting after New Adventures…

[@briansmith2163]

@@Alan-gi2ku oh ! I always wondered about that. Thank you.

[@playhooky]

Yes - they approached their 'job' very wisely from their beginnings as a band. You all might love to listen to the interview with Mike Mills on Rick Beato's channel posted also yesterday/same day as this video. He goes into some detail about it/their recording deals- not how much $ they got but how they structured them.

[@knownpleasures]

80 million dollar 💵 five album deal in 1996 that set them for life

[@lmaololroflcopter]

Even though I think REM weren’t quite as good after Bill Berry decided to leave the band, it cuts me up to see him get emotional about leaving them for his own wellbeing. Bill, you’re more important than the band. There’s no reason to feel bad about that. What a great guy.

[@sinf1442]

If life was fair enough, Bill would read all these comments just so he could know HOW MUCH he has influenced drummers like me, an ordinary person with an ordinary life that somehow found in drumming the best way to feel productive, proud and happy. And that's thanks to him, among other drummers....but HIM. Love you Bill, I'm glad to see you alive and well. Thanks for making me want to play drums.

[@warrenschwartz5653]

Me in 1987: Whoa! you can play quarter beats on the tom instead of the cymbal?

[@webbvandiver9139]

Exactly guys! I’m in a REM cover band for last 14-15 yrs. Had to practice a lot to play Bill’s parts almost exactly like he did. His style and feel was mostly different than what I’d developed during my 28 yrs playing up to that point. Was so fortunate Bill came to one of our shows, watched us and gave us genuine props. Was nervous with him watching me but loved it too! ❤

[@brianchidester3334]

Michael is consistently humble in his assessment of R.E.M.'s creative process. It's my sense, however, that his contribution was probably the most laborious and most significant in that process. The band must've known at some level that they were so damn fortunate to have one of the best lyricists and best singers to every walk this earth.

[@ThisWontEndWell]

And Mike Mill's Harmony that makes Micheal shine, the world is lucky that those two voices met in Athens.

[@shrevesoule3567]

Nice to see REM still are friends and enjoy each other's company.

[@rainblaze.]

I get the impression that that was'nt always the case... Bands can be difficult environments for sure

[@renmusical]

@@rainblaze. they definitely had their moments where was tension was on some albums (Fables, Monster, Up). But compared to other bands, R.E.M. were willing to put their egos aside and weren’t willing to air dirty laundry in public.

[@vinnym6734]

Glad CBS Morning put out this extended version.

[@nikh9080]

I had a preconceived notion of R. E.M. for the last 40 years, based on the music, lyrics, and live performances. I was wrong. I'm blown away by how humble and down to earth they are. "Don't confuse the singer and the song." I did exactly that.

[@webbvandiver9139]

I’m perplexed and curious as to why? What kinda guys did you think they were? They are good ole nice grounded southern US gentlemen.

[@tedcoats4148]

That was a satisfying interview. REM members were so relaxed and open. Thank you Anthony Mason for this masterclass on how to conduct an in-depth interview (and do it with a group no less). Thank you CBS for the long form version… it makes all the difference. Thank you REM for the authenticity in your music and the process you revealed in making it. Loved seeing the band’s camaraderie and love for each other.

[@brianstewart3206]

Never mind a reunion on stage, just seeing and hearing them chat round a table is gold. Fascinating interview with some insightful stories from four guys that made the world a better place by making incredible music together and sharing it with us. Thankfully

[@BrianPayne-ef6kn]

Hands down, one of THE greatest bands to ever grace the world with it's existence. PERIOD. WITHOUT CONTESTATION.

[@PatRiot-le7rd]

"We respected your decision 100%." Well said.

[@NR-110]

I can't think of another band who have spoken with such reflective honesty about their creative processes. Brilliant.

[@TheChef470]

Rush…..completely different style but very similar concept.

[@nc3music920]

Their honesty is pretty cool. A lot of songwriters can be up their own backsides about their creativity, as if its almost a mystical experience when in reality, its a craft and most of the time, can be very time consuming

[@renmusical]

@@TheChef470was just thinking of that. Although musically Rush and R.E.M. are different. I’ve always respected their integrity and both went on their own terms. It’s why I love both bands

[@TheChef470]

@@renmusical definitely a rarity.

[@realmusiklover]

Their integrity shines through, even now. Wonderful.

[@scottred6408]

Indeed, especially now … evidenced by their unwillingness to sacrifice quality in exchange for the public acclaim (and revenue) of a retro tour.

[@DavidHunt805]

@@scottred6408There is a classy way to do a retro tour, but the classiest way is probably deciding not to do it.

[@rogerh1973]

I can't appropriately express how I admire these guys and Bill Berry in particular. I was really sad when he decided to leave. Thankfully I was able to see them live with Bill. R.E.M. was and is still a very important part of my life.

[@_Patroklus_]

Thank you for putting this on KZbin.

[@revwillyg6450]

Aw, Bill getting choked up is heartbreaking. Glad he's still alive and seems to be doing okay

[@STPfuzzDemon]

These guys are the kings of albums where there are songs that maybe don't hit you right off but then really grow on you over time.

[@EdFredHernandez]

I agree 100%. Murmur is an entire album of songs that grow on you and get better after repeated listening, for me at least.

[@adderon]

Fall On Me

[@alankoslowski9473]

True but even they admit not all their songs are so great. For instance I think Stipe said he now doesn't know what they were thinking with "Stand".

[@vailpcs4040]

Thank you SOOOO much for releasing the whole, long form interview. Such an influential band and great to hear from them directly and in such depth.

[@kevincosgrove948]

Just to see these 4 guys sitting together really brings up the word ICONIC to describe the sum total of incredible songs in their catalog.

[@kingfield99]

Those first few albums have a very specific magic about them.

[@vincevirtua]

Folk rock?

[@heyyoitsmebrian]

shaking through / sitting still / pretty persuasion / life n how to live it

[@vogelpitts]

Murmur is my high school anthem.

[@EdNash-l5b]

A young guy travelling the world for the first time with a cassette of automatic for the people. That album is so special to me,thanks guys.

[@rocknjbindad3707]

Look at how intently and respectfully Mr. Stipe listens.

[@robertkuhn-qr6vb]

Mr. Stipe as you say, poured his heart and soul into this band. As you can see in this interview, there isn't much energy with pete, mike and Bill. Mr. Stipe had 15,000 eyes on him in every show. I know he's the lead singer and that's their job. But pete and Mike hide in the back and Michael is the main attraction. Not easy!

[@Dancehip]

I agree. He comes off especially well in this interview. I've often heard how humble, introspective and funny he is. All of that is on display here.

[@jacksummitt4304]

Thanks, guys. I'm so blessed I was along the ride. I guess we dont go back to Rockville

[@hillaryroberts3623]

I so respect having the honesty to leave the stage on your own terms. Friendship intact and the artistic freedom to pursue new ideas. REMs body of work will always be there for the fans. Great interview, Bill.

[@alankoslowski9473]

Yes though and this might seem cynical, I wonder if they only stayed together as long as they did to fulfill their Warner contract. Though I think their last two albums are decent (but not great) towards the end they didn't seem very enthusiastic.

[@davidmcmanaman71]

Anthony does good interviews. He is studied on those he interviews and asks good questions. Spreads it out to evoke answers from each one.

[@dazzlingdavedainty]

Great interview. I'm from the uk remember hearing The one I love on MT V and that was it. Got the Eponymous album and played it to death.got a R.E.M t shirt and if I had a pound for every time I was asked who the f... are R.E.M? I'd be a rich man.... They're gonna be big one day was all I'd say....happy to be proved right.

[@mr3745]

R.E.M. sounded like nothing else in the world at the time, was only loosely echoed through bands they influenced, and their catalog still stands unique. They succeeded in creating a timeless canon without compromising their integrity.

[@ZIG4ZAG20]

How many bands can you say that about?🤔I can count on one hand and have fingers left-probably more but ones I like and listen too less than five for sure.🤘🖖✌️

[@blackstrapelectrikco.8565]

I don't think they sound like those bands, so much as you can tell they existed in the zeitgeist. I'd they borrowed heavily from anyone, it was The Feelies ​@mikedavis8008

[@lenturzo8350]

I love how they are all incredibly humble. And splitting the writing credits, four ways, and owning their own masters was way ahead of its time for a band like them. R.E.M is hands down a collective of genius that comes out in song. 👏🏻

[@danny1959]

Probably a big reason they are all still friends is that they decided in the beginning to share the publishing on their songs.

[@Alicedoesart]

And I think that’s also why they endured for so long. It incentivised them all to develop as writers.

[@davebrau]

I met them back in the 80s, talked to each of them, were and are among most decent and regular guys you can imagine. I can see how they have stayed friends, the kind of guys you’d want to be friends with too, plus they just happen to be musical magic together.

[@PopcornedPlanet]

What an amazing interview. These four brought so much to my life, it’s so nice to see them well and still so supportive of each others. Big hugs to Bill

[@karsteinvolle]

I just love to see how relaxed they are in each other’s company. Michael in particular can get really weird on his own and here he’s just one of the guys.

[@sparky6086]

I saw REM at a frat party in Athens in 1981. I remember speaking with Peter Buck & Mike Mills about their instruments & amplifiers, since I was an equipment nerd. They were outgoing & didn't mind engaging in conversation at all. They'd recorded that EP record, but hadn't "made it" yet, but listening to this interview, I see, that fame didn't keep them from still being down to earth. Michael Stipe was quiet & sort of off to the side, during breaks. I read years later, that he was almost debilitatingly shy in REM's early days. Bill Berry was around of course, but I don't remember speaking to him, as I was more interested in guitars & amplifiers at the time, than I was in drums. It stood out, that they played all originals, otherwise, I wouldn't have remembered them at all, as they'd just been another cover band at a frat party. Their originals were great, & it was obvious; they were going somewhere. At a college party, the crowd might abide one or two original songs put in among the covers just to be polite, but the fact, that REM played all originals, & the crowd was into it, was pretty amazing! Also, they had a 16mm projector, projecting images on a screen behind them which was a nice "multimedia" touch.

[@christophermracek4296]

Uhh.... Tour Dates ???????? The REM Remains the Same!!!

[@PJmusica]

Possibly the greatest American band ever ❤

[@sandibergen2523]

Absolutely my all time favorite 🎵

[@jeffcarta]

Biggest influence on me during high school and into college...all started with getting Fables on cassette from Columbia Record get 10 cassettes in mail for $0.01 complete random by me selecting one of them to be this group I had not heard of yet. Peter's jangle on guitar, the melodies, and straight forward college rock...just so awesome. I have been in bands for 30+ years just for fun and they are still such an influence...so much that I am in a R.E.M. tribute band based here in Kansas City. Thanks you guys for all you did!

[@conortaft2039]

Are you in Begin the Begin?! I live in the area too!

[@lisabarone2281]

Yup thats the one​@@conortaft2039

[@Ciganeks]

They are so respectful of each other.

[@dirtier2]

This is an absolutely fantastic interview. It's so great to see the four of them together in the same room again. REM is definitely one of the greatest American rock bands of all time and are criminally underrated.

[@wemartin1211]

Thank you R.E.M. for everything you gave us.

[@smiddlecn]

Thank you, R.E.M. Thank you CBS for this interview. This is amazing.

[@jeffwhite3055]

I’m still not a big R.E.M. fan, but I tremendously respect these guys as a unit - they genuinely respect each other and you can tell just by their dynamics. They each listen, not with the intent of saying their next thing, but to hear and then respond. It’s why they were so successful.

[@markendicott6874]

They bowed out on top, I'm grateful for what they gave us and have made peace with that. Thank you guys, live well.

[@MichaelGerard-t2i]

It’s hard to find a band with less ego and who truly enjoyed playing together.

[@webbvandiver9139]

Rush is exactly that way. Best friends too, much closer than REM guys. Of course Rush lost Neil Peart in 2020 but Alex and Geddy are still best buds/brothers.

[@stuarthowarth2972]

I only know R.E.M from what I have heard on the radio, seen in KZbin...Now I want to own their albums. This interview has made me love these beautiful human beings ❤

[@weebunny]

You gotta check out their catalog. You don't have to listen to the records exactly in order, but listening roughly in order would give you a good sense of their progression as a band. Or it might even be cool to listen to their albums in reverse order! Start at the end (timewise) and slowly work down toward the foundation of the house, so to speak. If you want to start at the beginning, a good entry point is the compilation album "Eponymous," which covers the first stage of their career on the I.R.S. label (through 1987 or 88).

[@toddprater14]

Start with murmur the next 2 are ok , move on to document, then green, then out of time, (except losing my religion- hate that song, rather hear the goofy song stand over losing).. definitely dwell on automatic for the people..automatics their peak in my opinion and play that album front to back for the best experience- great great record… it was the last record Kurt cobain was said to be listening to at his home before he died ( he loved them and really dug automatic. -as much do I)…find the river is a song about being lost and ready to quit/giving up theme and falling into the river and drowning, monster is pretty good … the rest after are decent,but not classics like 87-94albums .. reveal (01’) is good ,they said it’s what they wanted “up” (98’) to come out like but up didn’t and it took them 3 years later to produce the sound they heard in their head intended for up on reveal… great band dive deep

[@joet7644]

You're a lucky guy; you've got hours of amazing music to discover.

[@werideatdusk]

@@toddprater14 ooh, hating losing my religion, what a hot take

[@videodavideo]

Enjoy the journey 🙏

[@hawki9]

REM was the soundtrack to my college days in the 80's and still to this day, one of my all time favorite band. So many great songs, it's amazing the quality of music they put out over a long period of time.

[@ashleyphotog]

wonderful to see them all together and hear about their history from them, especially seeing Bill with them again, He may have left the band all those years ago, but he was still part of REM even when he wasn't there.

[@Jasper_the_Cat]

Can we all just stop a moment to acknowledge that Michael Stipe is still a very handsome man? And he has this shy, humble, sensitive poet vibe which is so endearing.

[@christinmueller6015]

I was thinking that he’s starting to look like Bill Murray.

[@richmondstevenj]

I’m a 57 year old conservative. REM is one of my favorite bands. Outstanding musicianship and songwriting. I like to think that music can bring people with different political views together. Okay, let me have it!

[@catherinewilliams9680]

If their goal was to sound timeless, not dated, then they succeeded magnificently.

[@thesanfordmethod1905]

Bill Berry is one of my fav musicians for years, there is no weak link in this band.

[@robbiebandicoot]

This is such a great interview, credit to the interviewer. R.E.M mean so much to me, they were my late father's favourite band and their music brings back so many memories of my childhood. I'm gutted I never got to see them live but I have massive respect for them making the decision to walk away, some other bands/artists could do with having same mentality.

[@naturalnashuan]

I saw them live,it was a fun lively concert and there was room for the concertgoers to stand up and dance.

[@victorghossn8451]

Fantastic band REM seen them 2x they were great live in concert.But more important every 1 of their albums r solid very good impressive albums.All the deluxe editions on cd they put out were wonderful.Enjoy ur retirement REM u all earned it u gave us a sweet 30 years of memorable music.

[@amjh4lah809]

This band will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart. One of the greatest bands ever imo. SO emotional with Bill! They were the first band I saw live, and they were my favourite, so, an incredible first gig!! I miss these guys SO MUCH ❤ R.E.M. FOREVER ❤

[@nobluefood]

so much love for these four men. admiration, respect, and love. thank you for sharing the process with us, I always wondered. from first listen, I knew you were going to be huge. you always will be. thank you so much for what you put into this world!

[@spartyman7]

I think I've watched this 3 or 4 times and every time Bill talks about leaving the band there are tears rolling down my face.

[@naturalnashuan]

Me too, because he didn't really have any other choice and it was a huge loss for him.

[@absatwell8163]

Brother just texted and said he was listening to the interview on the way home and sobbed when Bill cried he nearly ran off the road. 😢 Then he wrote, “I love them so much”!

[@Whalebone471]

Loved this interview, and to get there personal perspective on the rise of REM ,I personally get taken back to a certain time in life when I hear certain recordings of theirs , thank you ❤

[@melissayost4888]

You guys have a sound like no other & it’s heavenly. You blew us all away & still do. So unique. Live y’all.

[@stevecowder4774]

I’ve been a fan of these guys since the release of Document, but this is the first time I’ve ever seen an interview with all four of them. As was said, it’s extremely rare to see 4 band members sitting down at a table and actually getting along. That’s something to be appreciated considering how many other bands are constantly fighting. It’s never easy for ANY band to concur on everything, but REM seemed to handle it well. I’m a big fan of Rush, and they also found ways of surviving the muck and turmoil. It’s impressive when a band can do that. And this excellent interview gives me more respect for REM than ever before.

[@doh4828]

A sincere ‘thank you, REM’.

[@mjc4art]

As a teenager in the 80’s, heavy metal & punk was my music. Then one day I heard pretty persuasion off of Reckoning and my musical journey was forever changed. Has been and still is my favorite band. I couldn’t imagine the soundtrack of my life without these four in it.

[@hbengineer]

I saw R.E.M. perform at UNH when I was a student there in the 80’s and they have been a huge impact on my life ever since. They got me through college and I enjoy their music as much if not more today. I play their music to get even closer to it. As much as I love The Beatles, they are my Fab Four!

[@Kevvinm]

I was there , the Feelies opened. October 30, 1986

[@hbengineer]

@@Kevvinm Cool! So you must remember when Michael had his little nutty over the fans down front... lol... still, amazing show!

[@liadcohen8327]

As much as I would like to see REM play together again, watching this makes me glad they are leaving their amazing legacy intact. They seem remarkably at peace with where they are now, and it's so great to see these humble gentle guys just enjoying each other's friendship and grateful for what they've been able to achieve. Thank you for everything, guys. You can't even imagine how much impact your music has made on the world. REM was my awakening at 16. It changed my life the way people used to say On the Road or Dylan changed their lives. I heard Life's Rich Pageant working at a record store in 1986 and nothing was ever the same again. So grateful!

[@cosmicdrifter287]

Massive respect for Bill Berry.And what an incredible band,for me every album was special.

[@dr.scanlan6112]

Most underrated drummer of all time . No one mentions him. Its ridiculous.

[@cosmicdrifter287]

@@dr.scanlan6112 Very strange when you think of it.

[@naturalnashuan]

I had a brain aneurysm in '98, I understand why he had to leave and go somewhere quiet. I had to leave my job too. It's very hard to walk away just when you hit your prime because you suddenly don't have the stamina anymore. I'm glad he kept working , on his own terms, as I have. That keeps it from being a total loss and turns it into a change instead.🤍

[@cosmicdrifter287]

@@naturalnashuan Very well said.Iwish you years of good health ahead.

[@dr.scanlan6112]

@@naturalnashuan He was on all their great albums .

[@CEddy10165]

This band was a beacon during my teens. So very important and unique. Thank god we had them.

[@cliffstone71]

Such a humble, considerate, talented bunch of guys. They will always be my favorite band.

[@hughb15]

REM was the perfect storm. E Bow the Letter was a culmination of musical sophistication and incredible lyrics that I believe was a hallmark of the band. (Among many great songs) And so ironically featured Patty Smith, a huge inspiration for the band. From Athens, Georgia? Really? Talk about the passion!

[@lindalinda0316]

I can't imagine what would have become of my life without R.E.M.'s music. I love this band, and Bill Berry - god, his presence in this interview moves me so much. His drumming (especially on Chronic Town) is incredible.

[@JohmathanBSwift]

I'm not sure how they did it, but their songs evoke emotions and images, that their lives become a shared yours. It's so hard to describe. It's cathartic, otherly, "It's cold. Across from each other, squatting, smiling, hands out in front view. Rubbing, warmed by firefly embers rising. The hearth is the heart of the two.

[@marydean8805]

THANK YOU… to Anthony Mason… to REM… for taking the time to share this rare deep dive into the workings, perspectives, personal journeys, anecdotes and humor of this incredible band. Priceless! Many thanks!

[@tobysbreathisverybad]

Like them so much as a group of people and friends more than as a band. That’s not a backhanded compliment. That they can “quit” and still like to hang out is amazing.

[@ohjasonj]

thanks so much for posting the extended interview. us r.e.m. superfans have needed this.

[@madamerecorder8310]

Thank you very much for such a great interview. I often thought about REM since they split up, still sad. To me, they are the greatest band ever. The music and lyrics will last. I am grateful that I could see many concerts with them, incl. one in Cincinnati in 2004, after which we could meet the band and take photos.

[@emmett1739]

Absolute legends , their music is the soundtrack to a lot of our lives , passion ,soul ,hope and fun all rolled into one and one of the best live acts ive seen and ive lived long enough to see all the great acts .

[@corporalclegg914]

these dudes. I was born in the latest ‘70s Dawg Country in Georgia. having these guys doing what they do just a brief car-ride away meant a lot to me. many of us fought (still fight) against Dixie region stereotypes, so REM became a “see? we’re not all…” accidental martyrs. thanks, Guys. the 52s seemed to give them binoculars, too. we all need someone & we’re lucky to have who we have and get who we get.

[@Hound45]

So much of my early life was woven through their songs, especially in the 1980’s. A special thank you to Peter Buck for all the great guitar parts in the songs. I’ve enjoyed his playing all these years. The other guys are great as well, but thanks again to Peter.

[@dextersmithbsee]

Wow! I grew up in Athens, GA during the early years REM. These guys are absolute pioneers. Their music just wors so well. I now hear a REM song playing in a department store and think how original and fresh it sounds even today. As Dexter Weaver of the famed Weaver D's soul food restaurant said, "Automatic for the People". Hell yes!!!

[@DateMike22]

R.E.M. are a legendary band 🤘🏼.

[@STPfuzzDemon]

It's unfair that some people judge them only on some of their worst moments like "Shiney Happy People" (and "Stand") which was an embarassing video.

[@Alan-gi2ku]

@@STPfuzzDemon The stand video was kinda silly but it was a good song. SHP was a great pop song and I really liked the video.

[@theodore89]

Their songwriting was always really good but they excelled all the way through the last REM album. I could not stop listening to REVEAL when it came out. The love I had for that batch of songs made me study and appreciate all of their catalog. Stipe never stopped becoming better at singing all the way through his whole career. Buck is such an original and Mills goes without saying amazing. Thank you REM for all of the hard work you endured to bring us such happiness. Bless all 4 of you.

[@danielduggan7394]

That was utterly brilliant. Christ, i love/loved them. Simply the best to do it

[@stephenlombardo5505]

They could easily 'take the money' & do one last tour. The fact that they won't says alot about the integrity the band has always had.

[@goodpainlive]

yep..they never sold out. Although, I would die to see a reunion tour....

[@belturbet4]

They made their money and quit at the right time.

[@sjaakblaauw556]

They had an amazing deal with the record company. Set 4 life. Good for them.

[@urbangorilla33]

They have their priorities straight. Also very intelligent men so they presumably took care of their money and didn't blow it all like some have.

[@baneverything5580]

Traveling is dangerous and sometimes the fear keeps growing until you can`t take it.

[@naturalnashuan]

Thank you REM . You will continue to be the soundtrack of my mind for the rest of my life🩷

[@mikea3925]

My favorite American band ever. And I love you, Bill Berry!

[@gp3256]

beautiful all the way around. Such respect to each other, so calm, almost a sense of peace here.

[@kellyschneider2545]

Fantastic interview! (thanks for sharing) This band has meant so much to so many. Their perspective on their work is refreshing, and I love the fact they're still friends.

[@lauriemcguinness5767]

The interviewer is amazing at keeping the flow.

[@eganfo]

Fantastic interview. It’s so nice to hear them in their actual recording space. Their insight on many things is so intriguing. Thanks guys for all your great songs.