In a moment that fans have been dreaming of for nearly two decades, the original members of R.E.M. reunited for a surprise acoustic performance of their iconic hit “Losing My Religion.” The reunion took place at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel during the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony, marking the first time the band has performed together in 17 years.
Earlier in the day, during an interview on CBS, Anthony Mason asked the band what it would take to get them back together. Bassist Mike Mills humorously replied, “A comet!” Drummer Bill Berry added, “Superglue,” while guitarist Peter Buck noted, “It would never be as good.” Despite their playful responses, the band took the stage that evening, much to the delight of their fans.
The performance was a tribute to their induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Buck played his Gibson Flatiron mandolin, Mills switched from bass to a Taylor 12-string acoustic guitar, and Berry played the bongos. The acoustic rendition of “Losing My Religion” was reminiscent of their 1991 BBC Radio One performance, bringing back memories for long-time fans.
While the reunion was a special moment, it is unlikely to signal a full comeback. The band members have consistently stated that they ended their journey at the right time when they amicably split in 2011. Their final studio album, “Collapse Into Now,” and the subsequent tour were seen as a fitting conclusion to their storied career.
“I think we quit at the right time,” Buck said. “It was a really good place to finish, great tour, great album, go home.” The sentiment was shared by all members, who agreed that their decision to disband was the right one.
The last time R.E.M.’s original lineup performed live together was at the 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony. They were inducted by Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, who joined them onstage for “Man on the Moon.” Patti Smith also joined them for a cover of The Stooges’ “I Wanna Be Your Dog.”
At the Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony, Jason Isbell had the honor of inducting R.E.M. Buck expressed the band’s pride in their inclusion, saying, “We lived or died on the strength of our songs. So this is a huge honor.” His bandmates credited him with pushing them to achieve their best work, acknowledging his role as the taskmaster who drove them forward.
R.E.M. was formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980 and quickly gained a cult following. Their breakthrough came in the early ’90s with albums like “Out of Time” and “Automatic for the People,” which helped bring alternative rock into the mainstream. Their influence on the genre is undeniable, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
In a 2018 interview with MusicRadar, Buck discussed his approach to songwriting, describing himself as a formalist who meticulously plans out song structures. He emphasized the importance of introducing new melodic and lyrical information throughout a song to keep it engaging.
During the Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony, the band reflected on their journey and the significance of their songs. Stipe highlighted the importance of their catalog, stating, “Writing songs and having a catalog of work that we’re all proud of that is out there for the whole world for the rest of time is hands down the most important aspect of what we did as a band.”
He also emphasized the enduring friendship among the band members, saying, “Second to that is that we managed to do so for all these decades and remain friends — and not just friends but dear friends, friends for life.”
The evening was a celebration of R.E.M.’s contributions to music and their lasting impact on the industry. While a full reunion tour may not be in the cards, the band’s surprise performance was a poignant reminder of their enduring legacy and the timeless quality of their music.
