R.E.M. facts for kids

R.E.M. or REM can mean a few things. It can stand for Rapid eye movement, which is a part of sleep. But most often, R.E.M. refers to a very famous American rock band. This band was formed in Athens, Georgia in 1980.

The band R.E.M. was made up of four main members:

• Michael Stipe (the singer)
• Peter Buck (the guitarist)
• Mike Mills (the bass player)
• Bill Berry (the drummer)

They became very popular for their unique sound and meaningful songs. R.E.M. stopped making music together in 2011.

Who Were R.E.M.?

R.E.M. started playing music in the early 1980s. They quickly gained fans with their college rock sound. Their music was different from other bands at the time. They often sang about important topics.

Their Unique Sound

R.E.M.'s music had a special feel. Peter Buck's guitar playing was a big part of this. He often played in a style called "jangle pop." This made their songs sound bright and melodic. Michael Stipe's singing was also unique. His words were sometimes hard to understand at first. But they were always thoughtful and poetic.

Early Days and First Songs

The band's first concert was in Athens, Georgia. It happened on April 5, 1980. They released their first album, Murmur, in 1983. This album helped them become known across the country. Mitch Easter was an early producer for the band. He helped shape their sound.

Becoming Famous

R.E.M. became very famous in the late 1980s and 1990s. They released many successful albums. Songs like "Losing My Religion" and "Everybody Hurts" became huge hits. These songs were played all over the world. Scott Litt produced many of their popular albums.

Touring and Collaborators

The band toured a lot, playing concerts for fans. They often had other musicians join them on stage. Scott McCaughey was a touring member for many years. He played different instruments with the band. R.E.M. played at famous places like the Royal Albert Hall.

Their Impact on Music

R.E.M. influenced many other bands. Their unique style inspired new artists. Bands like Pavement have said R.E.M. was important to them. R.E.M. showed that a band could be popular without following all the usual rules.

Beyond Music

Michael Stipe, the lead singer, also used his fame for good causes. He supported political and humanitarian efforts. He often spoke out about things he believed in. This showed that musicians can make a difference in the world.

Images for kids

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  The church steeple of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in 2015; this is all that remains of where members of R.E.M. lived briefly and performed their first concert on April 5, 1980

• 

  Mitch Easter (far left) was R.E.M.'s producer until 1984, helping to define the band's early sound.

• 

  Michael Stipe (left) and Peter Buck (right) on stage in Ghent, Belgium, during R.E.M.'s 1985 tour

• 

  Scott Litt produced a number of R.E.M.'s albums from the late 1980s to the early to mid-1990s.

• 

  Scott McCaughey was a touring member of R.E.M. from 1994 till their disbandment.

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  R.E.M. on tour in 2008, with long-time collaborator Scott McCaughey

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  R.E.M. at the Royal Albert Hall in 2008

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  Bassist Mike Mills performing in concert in 2008

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  R.E.M. onstage in 2008

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  Peter Buck's guitar-playing style has defined R.E.M.'s sound.

• 

  Pavement, one of several bands to name R.E.M. as an influence, wrote the song "Unseen Power of the Picket Fence" in honor of them.

• 

  Michael Stipe has used his celebrity status to support political and humanitarian causes; he is seen here at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival, which was created to renew that neighborhood of New York City after the September 11 attacks

• 

  R.E.M. on their final tour (from left to right): guitarist Peter Buck (on keyboard), touring musician Scott McCaughey, vocalist Michael Stipe (back to camera), touring drummer Bill Rieflin, and bassist Mike Mills

See also

In Spanish: R.E.M. para niños