R.E.M. has always been a very understated group of fellows, especially when one considers they have sold over 100 million record albums over the course of their illustrious career.
So it comes as no surprise that a. the group didn’t feel the need to hang around endlessly, well past the point of having something to offer (cough, cough, Rolling Stones..) or b. that when they did finally hang it up, they did it with little fanfare, releasing the following statement:
“To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band. We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished. To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening.” R.E.M.
Diggin' In The Crates 