R.E.M: Did You Know?
7 Fun Facts & Untold Stories About R.E.M.
R.E.M. is a band that helped shape the alternative rock scene in the 1980s and 1990s, with hits like "Losing My Religion" and "Man on the Moon." While their music is well-known, here are some fascinating and lesser-known stories about the band that you might not have heard before.
1. Their First Gig Was at a Birthday Party
R.E.M.’s very first performance was on April 5, 1980, at a friend’s birthday party in an abandoned church in Athens, Georgia. The makeshift venue had no proper lighting or sound equipment, but their raw energy caught the attention of the local scene and quickly earned them a dedicated following.
2. They Were Almost Called 'Cans of Piss'
Naming a band can be tricky, and R.E.M. wasn’t always going to be called R.E.M. Among the rejected band names was the rather unappetizing option of "Cans of Piss." Fortunately, Michael Stipe, the band’s frontman, decided on R.E.M. after picking the name randomly from a dictionary. The acronym, which stands for Rapid Eye Movement (a sleep phase), perfectly captured the band's dreamy, introspective style.
3. They Almost Released an Album of Cover Songs
Before releasing their seminal album Out of Time in 1991, R.E.M. considered recording an entire album of covers. They recorded versions of songs by The Troggs, Aerosmith, and The Everly Brothers, but ultimately decided to focus on original material. Some of these covers did make it into their live shows, however, including their famous version of The Velvet Underground’s "Pale Blue Eyes."
4. Michael Stipe Struggled with Shyness Early On
Despite being the face of the band, Michael Stipe was notoriously shy in the early years. During R.E.M.'s early performances, he would often sing with his back to the audience, sometimes standing behind amplifiers or hiding in the shadows of the stage. Over time, Stipe grew more confident as a performer, evolving into one of the most enigmatic and captivating frontmen in rock history.
5. The Band Once Stopped a Tour to Record an Album
In 1986, R.E.M. was on tour when they decided to take a brief break to record a new album, which would become Lifes Rich Pageant. The band felt a surge of creative energy and wanted to capture the moment. They rented a studio in Indiana and recorded the album in just three weeks, incorporating a more politically charged and environmental focus than their earlier records.
6. They Never Broke Up – Technically
R.E.M. famously “called it quits” in 2011, but they did it in a way that was more of a graceful exit than a dramatic breakup. The band announced that they were disbanding in a mutual and amicable way, stating that they had said everything they wanted to as a group. Unlike many bands that break up due to conflict, R.E.M.’s decision was a rare moment of peace and agreement, ending their 31-year career on their own terms.
7. The Real Story Behind "Losing My Religion"
Contrary to popular belief, "Losing My Religion" isn’t about religion at all. The phrase is a Southern expression meaning “losing one’s temper” or “reaching the end of one’s rope.” The song is actually about unrequited love and obsession. The melancholic mandolin riff that drives the song was created by guitarist Peter Buck, who was just learning the instrument at the time.
R.E.M. not only defined an era of alternative rock but also carried with them a wealth of quirky stories and decisions that helped them stand out. From humble beginnings playing in abandoned churches to becoming international rock icons, their journey is filled with fun, unexpected moments that add to the allure of their music.
R.E.M. has many iconic lyrics, but one of the most meaningful lines often highlighted by fans and critics comes from their song "Everybody Hurts":
"Everybody hurts, sometimes."
This simple yet profound line resonates deeply with listeners because of its universal message of empathy and solidarity. It acknowledges that pain and hardship are a part of the human experience, but it also subtly offers comfort by reminding us that we're not alone in those feelings. The song itself became an anthem for emotional support, often associated with themes of mental health, loss, and the importance of holding on through tough times.