R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe on sex, social media and Donald Trump - BBC Newsnight

The band's frontman opens up about why he's quitting Instagram.
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R.E.M. weren’t like other rock and roll bands: diffident, a bit maudlin - and when they broke up seven years ago, it wasn’t with tears and smashed guitars but a gentlemanly handshake.
These days their frontman Michael Stipe is pursuing an artistic career, with a new book of photographs called Volume 1.
He spoke to Stephen Smith about sex and social media, in an interview which does contain a little bad language but first, a typically rollicking joke.
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[@IanBrownMakeUpArtist]

Intelligent, honest and a man of tremendous depth. This interview was short and sweet. Always loved Michael Stipe and R.E.M.

[@avslope8963]

Michael Stipe is both a legend and a genius. He deserves the up most respect for his musical creativity in my humble opinion. He is welcome to his views like everyone else is.....

[@GearZenChannel]

In high school the singer in my band introduced us to this new progressive music and a song called "Radio Free Europe." He was ahead of us all on music, and so was REM.

[@TheAlistairDick]

"Find The River" is a colossal song

[@dalecouch1995]

I enjoyed this interview. He is a thoughtful, humble and very talented human being. I believe he would listen to anyone's viewpoint.

[@cosmoseinfeld1]

Michael Stype helped me understand and articulate better who I am and feel inside as an individual. His music and example has made my experience on this rock a much better journey than I can imagine without him. He also got me in to Andy Kaufman for which I will forever be grateful! One of my idols :)

[@Shlooomth]

Dude is so cool. It's dangerous to "meet" your idols but I don't regret it with Stipe he is on point

[@lulou14MerMa]

I've loved Michael Stipe since I was young. I still adore him and the music R.E.M did was and is some of the best stuff ever written along with the Chili peppers. Love it all. Miss not seeing him so much these days.😀

[@jamesgornall5731]

favourite band ever, so glad caught their last tour in 2008, all us went me Dad my brother, so happy, so happy, well done Michael, Mike, Peter, Bill.

[@nightflight7878]

Hold on a minute. Did I just witness a flash of journalistic integrity in the last minute of that clip? There is hope.

[@charlenetackett9494]

Intelligent, beautiful, talented Michael, how I miss you. The most beautiful eyes ever! And I really miss new REM music so much. How I used to look forward to the new releases.

[@josevillarreal9920]

'Country Feedback' ...one of the best songs ever written.

[@mickbaker9852]

Genuine and honest man. Genius too......so many great songs.

[@julienholmgren1543]

It's incredible how people can be so agressive on the Internet. I'm not sure all these people would act that way in a real-life situation, it's so easy to insult people behind a screen. Anyway, you're scary, people.

[@petergreen2534]

I've always got plenty of time for Michael Stipe. A decent bloke & those soulful eyes. Thanks Mr BBC.

[@philippeforest8502]

Merci ! This interview deserves to be subtitled !

[@hypatiastanhope4716]

I once dated a guy who loved this guy more than he loved me 🤔 it's ok I loved Johnny Rotten more than him 😛

[@stefftj3493]

brilliant and concise interview

[@kahaunds]

Stipe is one of those great musicians that was just always there kicking ass throughout my formative years. When I hear him singing or talking or whatever, I feel the same type of comfort that I get whenever I'm hanging out with an old friend.

[@arricammarques1955]

The timbre of his voice is ageless.