REM were formed in Athens, Georgia, USA, in 1980 by Michael Stipe (lead vocals), Peter Buck (guitar), Mike Mills (bass guitar), and Bill Berry (drums and percussion). They were one of the first popular alternative rock bands, and gained early attention due to Buck's ringing, arpeggiated guitar style and Stipe's unclear vocals. REM released their first single, 'Radio Free Europe', in 1981 on the independent record label Hib-Tone. The single was followed by the hronic Town' EP in 1982, the band's first release on I.R.S. Records. In 1983, the band released their critically acclaimed debut album 'Murmur', and built their reputation over the next few years through subsequent releases, constant touring, and the support of college radio. Following years of underground success, REM achieved a mainstream hit in 1987 with the single 'The One I Love'. The group signed to Warner Bros Records in 1988 and began to espouse political and environmental concerns while playing large arenas worldwide.

By the early 1990s, when alternative rock began to experience broad mainstream success, REM were viewed as pioneers of the genre and released their two most commercially successful albums, 'Out of Time' (1991) and 'Automatic for the People' (1992), which veered from the band's established sound. REM's 1994 release 'Monster' was a return to a more rock-oriented sound. The band began its first tour in six years to support the album; the tour was marred by medical emergencies suffered by three band members.

In 1996, REM re-signed with Warner Bros. for a reported US$80 million - at the time the most expensive recording contract in history. The following year, Bill Berry left the band amicably, with Buck, Mills, and Stipe continuing as a three-piece. Through some changes in musical style, the band continued its career into the next decade with mixed critical and commercial success. In 2007, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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