Here is a statement from REM: "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."
Lesee if I can translate this for you.
They have sucked nonstop ever since Bill Berry left.
Album after crappy 3 and a 1/2 star Rolling Stone review after another have been unbearable slude ever since New Adventures In Hi Fi.
Quite possibly the worst major live rock band evr. I have never seen them put on a good performance. The last one I saw, at MSG a coupla of years ago, was so bad it was mindboggling.
Their last album, Collapse Into Now, was their best in years and still a B- .
And they wouldn't tour behind it.
Now they can all go solo and irritate us some more.
Good riddance to a great band who stopped being a great band.