R.E.M. was formed in Athens GA. in the late 70's to early 80's. First Michael Stipe met Peter Buck, whom he called "Richard" for a while; then later at a party Mike Mills met up with drummer Bill Berry - to later form R.E.M. Since then they have been one of the most successful bands in the history of Rock 'n' Roll, with most of their albums going though the roof in sales. With two great World Tours behind them they still have the right stuff to produce, what we like to call, alternative music .... R.E.M.'s music is unique and fun. The band blends humor, truth, controversy, politics, and personal experiences into their music. The lyrics are analytical in fashion and each song has a distinct meaning, reeking of grace and style, that is the music of R.E.M.. R.E.M.'s lead singer Michael Stipe is active in art and photography. He enjoys riding his motorcycle the "yellow jacket" around the streets of Athens ( heck, why else would this page be yellow? ) He enjoys music and loves his job. Stipe himself once quoted, "I couldn't play guitar, but I have pretty good pipes". He tries not to talk between songs on the tours, but it will never happen. Personally I enjoy hearing what he has to say :) .... In the February 1995 issue of "The Face" magazine, Stipe said "I'm mildly talented, opportunistic, pretentious, calculated" ?? Mildly talented ??, I couldn't disagree more.
R.E.M.'s bass guitarist, Mike Mills, is active in golf and in other sports such as softball. You may have even seen him strutting his stuff in MTV's Rock-in-Jock softball. Go Mike!!! Oh, I wonder if he has found, or made Stipe's shirt - "No Newt is good Newt!" , who knows ... ( no offense Newt, just a joke ) R.E.M.'s lead guitarist Peter Buck enjoys bowling and hanging out with his two kids Zoe and Zelda. He likes beer and Elvis, (hey who could blame him??), and he is one of the best guitar players in the industry! R.E.M.'s ex-drummer Bill Berry enjoys working on his farm and playing with his dog. We must all credit his wife Mary for taking most of the pictures of the band a lot of the time! Bill's favorite sport is golf - gee too bad I can't get him to play with my dad!!!
And finally, here is where you can reach me:
E-Mail me at: d_haglof@efn.org