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On June 13, 2024, the original lineup of R.E.M. reunited for a poignant performance at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Ceremony in New York. The band, comprising Michael Stipe on vocals, Peter Buck on guitar, Mike Mills on bass, and Bill Berry on drums, delivered a stirring acoustic rendition of their iconic 1991 hit, “Losing My Religion.”
The evening was marked by a deep sense of reverence for the ceremony, as well as a visible camaraderie and enduring connection among the band members. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to their fans, family, and friends, acknowledging everyone who supported their journey.
This rare public appearance marked the first public performance by all four original members since R.E.M.’s 2007 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2016, Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, and Mike Mills performed “Losing My Religion” at a private birthday gathering for their longtime manager, Bertis Downs, without Bill Berry. R.E.M.’s final full concert as an active band took place in Mexico City on November 18, 2008, more than a decade after Berry’s departure in 1997. The band officially disbanded in 2011.
Among the 2024 inductees alongside R.E.M. were Steely Dan, producer Timbaland, and songwriters Hillary Lindsey, Dean Pitchford, and the late Cindy Walker. As they moved to the performance area, Michael Stipe introduced the band, saying, “We are R.E.M., and this is what we did.” Accompanying him were Peter Buck, who switched to mandolin, Mike Mills on a 12-string acoustic guitar, adding harmonies, and Bill Berry, the former drummer who returned to play percussion.
The iconic American alt-rock ensemble R.E.M., composed of vocalist Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and drummer Bill Berry, emerged in 1980 and swiftly catalyzed the evolution of alternative rock. Their innovative sound not only influenced a myriad of other alt-rock artists but also catapulted them to the forefront of the genre’s mainstream success. Over the years, R.E.M. amassed an impressive discography, including fifteen studio albums, five live albums, fourteen compilations, one remix album, one soundtrack, twelve video albums, seven EPs, sixty-three singles, and seventy-seven music videos. With global sales exceeding ninety million albums, R.E.M. stands as one of the most commercially successful music acts in history.
The four original members appeared onstage together again on February 27, 2025, at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Georgia, joining Michael Shannon, Jason Narducy, and their band for a performance of “Pretty Persuasion.”
Read more R.E.M. articles below
Complete List Of R.E.M. Albums And Discography
Complete List Of R.E.M. Band Members
Top 10 R.E.M. Songs
10 Best R.E.M. Albums
Updated August 23, 2026.
R.E.M. Performs In Public For First Time In 15 Years article published on ClassicRockHistory.com © 2026
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