Webcuts Music

It is with great sadness, shock and holy-shit-didn’t-see-that-coming to announce that alterna-rock legends R.E.M. have called it a day. Having released their 15th album Collapse Into Now earlier this year to critical acclaim, the Athens GA trio were riding something of a creative high, with an air of confidence that dispelled any rumour of Collapse Into Now being their swansong. The announcement was posted on their offical REMHQ website today.

“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.

Well, that’s bummed us here at Webcuts out. R.E.M. being one of the defining bands of the last three decades, and one of the defining bands in our musical education. But with no farewell tour, no last knowing rock and roll blast, just slipping out the back door with a ‘see ya later’, it’s left us a little stunned.

Thanks for the music, R.E.M. This Murmur’s for you.