R.E.M. pioneered the alternative rock genre long before it became mainstream. Initially, they started as a small college band in Athens, Georgia, before they conquered the world with their jangle-pop sound. Furthermore, they maintained their artistic integrity despite signing massive record deals. Consequently, they remain one of the most respected groups in music history. Explore these fascinating details about the rock legends.
R.E.M.
They selected their name from a dictionary. Randomly, lead singer Michael Stipe opened a dictionary while searching for ideas. Ultimately, he landed on R.E.M., which stands for Rapid Eye Movement, because he felt it sounded mysterious and open to interpretation.
Peter Buck wrote their biggest hit while learning an instrument. Surprisingly, the guitarist was just practicing the mandolin in front of his television when he stumbled upon the riff for “Losing My Religion.” Therefore, the band’s most famous song exists because of a simple practice session.
The band absolutely hates “Shiny Happy People.” Although it became a massive pop hit, the members felt it was too bubblegum and silly compared to their other work. Consequently, R.E.M. refused to include it on their greatest hits album.
They almost recorded the theme song for Friends. Initially, the show’s producers asked to use “Shiny Happy People” as the opening track. However, after the band declined the offer, the producers hired The Rembrandts to write a sound-alike song called “I’ll Be There For You.”
Michael Stipe was a close friend of Kurt Cobain. Tragically, the R.E.M. frontman tried to save the Nirvana singer by sending him a plane ticket to escape Seattle. Sadly, they planned to collaborate on a musical project just before Cobain passed away.
Their drummer left the band to become a farmer. In 1995, Bill Berry suffered a terrifying brain aneurysm on stage during a concert in Switzerland. Eventually, he recovered but decided to quit the music industry two years later to work on his hay farm.
“What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” is based on a real attack. Strangely, two men assaulted news anchor Dan Rather in 1986 while repeating that nonsensical phrase. Later, the band wrote the rock song to document the bizarre unsolved mystery.
Early on, Michael Stipe refused to print his lyrics. Deliberately, he mumbled his vocals on the first few albums to create an aura of mystery. Thus, fans had to spend hours deciphering what R.E.M. was actually singing about.
They signed an eighty-million-dollar record deal. In 1996, Warner Bros. paid them this staggering amount to renew their contract. At the time, this stood as the most expensive recording contract in music history.
The album title Automatic for the People came from a restaurant. Locally, a soul food eatery in Athens used the phrase as their slogan to mean the food was ready quickly. Generously, the owner Weaver D became a minor celebrity after the album exploded in popularity.
“Everybody Hurts” was written to save lives. Specifically, the band wanted to write a straightforward anthem for teenagers who felt suicidal. Therefore, Stipe sang the lyrics clearly and simply so the message would not be missed.
They broke up without any lawsuits or drama. Peacefully, they announced on their website in 2011 that they were “calling it a day” as a band. Unlike many other rock groups, they remain close friends who simply felt their creative work was finished.
Peter Buck used to work at a record store. Historically, he met Michael Stipe at Wuxtry Records in Athens where he worked as a clerk. Apparently, Stipe came in to buy records, and they bonded over their shared love of punk music.
The song “Stand” was intended to be a joke. Intentionally, Stipe wanted to write the stupidest pop song possible, similar to the bubblegum tracks of the 1960s. Resultantly, the simple lyrics and silly dance moves made it a massive chart success.
Finally, Michael Stipe is the godfather of Frances Bean Cobain. Protectively, he has maintained a close relationship with Kurt Cobain’s daughter throughout her life. Furthermore, actress Drew Barrymore serves as her godmother.
