R.E.M. reunite for first live performance in 15 years at Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

On Thursday night, R.E.M. were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. To celebrate, Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry took the stage for a surprise performance, their first as a band in 15 years. The quartet last performed together in 2007 during their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

A surprise performance by @remhq last night at their induction into the @SongwritersHOF – Just one song, an acoustic version of “Losing My Religion” – but it was the first time the 4 original members had played together publicly since 2007. More on @CBSMornings pic.twitter.com/XubOAWTOtc

— Anthony Mason (@AnthonyMasonCBS) June 14, 2024

 

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Ahead of their induction, R.E.M. sat down with Anthony Mason of CBD This Morning for their first joint interview in 30 years.

R.E.M. is being inducted into the @SongwritersHOF — an honor Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Bill Berry say means a great deal: “We lived or died on the strength of our songs.”

They sat down with @AnthonyMasonCBS for their first joint interview in nearly 30 years. pic.twitter.com/XqlSoVMVxd

— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) June 13, 2024

Together, the band discussed their songwriting approach, dynamics, and the decision to disband in 2011.

Guitarist Peter Buck explained, “We could barely agree on where to go to dinner. And now, we can just agree on where to go to dinner. I think we quit at the right time. This is a really good place to finish, you know – great tour, great album, go home.”

During the interview, frontman Michael Stipe revealed that the lyrics in the band’s hit “Losing My Religion” were almost “that’s me in the kitchen” instead of “the corner”.