Earlier this week, the iconic rock band REM made a playful remark that only “a comet” could reunite them for a live performance. Apparently, the stars aligned as the quartet surprised fans with an acoustic rendition of their timeless hit, “Losing My Religion,” at the Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony in New York on Thursday.
This marked a historic moment as all four original members took the stage together publicly for the first time since their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. Originating from Athens, Georgia, REM skyrocketed from indie darlings to one of the top-selling rock acts of the 1990s. This boasting chart-toppers like “Everybody Hurts,” “The One I Love,” and “Man On The Moon.”
Drummer Bill Berry’s departure in 1997, following a brain aneurysm during a concert, shifted REM to a trio until their amicable split in 2011. Guitarist Peter Buck recently shared in an interview that musical disagreements and tour logistics once made a reunion seem implausible, likening decision-making to agreeing on dinner plans.
Against all odds, the band’s reunion delighted an audience that included fellow Hall of Fame legends Steely Dan and Timbaland. Accepting their accolade, lead singer Michael Stipe emphasized the significance of their songwriting legacy and enduring friendship.
“We were determined from the outset to own our masters and divide royalties and songwriting credits equally,” Stipe affirmed, reflecting on the band’s core values. This commitment was pivotal throughout their career, culminating in their induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a pinnacle achievement celebrated with humility and pride.
REM also revisited the unexpected success of “Losing My Religion,” a track propelled by mandolin melodies that defied expectations, selling millions worldwide and defining their seventh album, Out of Time.
The evening’s ceremony honored other luminaries in songcraft, underscoring the transformative impact of music across genres. Missy Elliott praised Timbaland’s innovation in hip-hop production, while Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen paid tribute to departed bandmate Walter Becker.
In a lighthearted moment, songwriter Diane Warren received the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award, acknowledging her enduring contributions to pop music, while SZA was lauded with the Hal David Starlight Award for her emerging influence in contemporary songwriting.
REM’s reunion not only stirred nostalgia but also reaffirmed their place in music history, a testament to their enduring influence and the power of their songwriting prowess.
