80s rock band perform together for the first time in 17 years

R.E.M. reunited on stage last night (Picture: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame)

The beloved 80s band R.E.M. surprised fans with their first performance in 17 years as they sang Losing My Religion after being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The band, consisting of Michael Stipe, Peter Buck and Mike Mills broke up in 2011 but the last time all four members played together on stage was in 2007 following Bill Berry’s departure from the band in 1997. 

However, the foursome delighted fans as they performed their top hit that was released in 1991 and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017 due to its enduring success. 

Per Billboard, upon their induction, the frontman Michael spoke about how they have remained ‘dear friends’ over the years, and how proud they are of their recent achievement.

‘Writing songs and having a catalogue of work that we’re all proud of that is out there for the rest of the world for all time is hands-down the most important aspect of what we did.

‘Second to that is that we managed to do so all those decades and remain friends. And not just friends, dear friends.’ he said.

The band wowed fans with their performance (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame)

R.E.M. looked rather different at the beginning of their career (Picture: Paul Natkin/WireImage)

In an interview with CBS ahead of the induction, Bill, who left the band in the 90s revealed how he felt about pulling away. 

Bill cried as he revealed that ‘of course’ he had second thoughts about walking away from the band in 1997.

‘That was a weird time for me and I made it weird for these guys too,’ he said. 

He then reflected on his poor health in the mid-90s and the fact that he suffered from a brain aneurysm on stage in 1995.

‘I’m not gonna use that as an excuse,’ but he added that his subsequent surgery may have ‘lowered his energy level.’ 

‘I didn’t regret it at the time but sort of regretted it later.’

The band members first united in Athens, Georgia (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

The band also reflected on why they parted ways in 2011 and how they have managed to maintain a friendship in recent years.

‘At that point, there wasn’t anything we could agree on really, musically: what kind of music, how to record it, are we gonna go on tour, We could barely agree on where to go to dinner.

‘And now we can just agree on where to go to dinner,’ said Buck.

‘We’re also here to tell the tale and we’re sitting at the same table together with deep admiration and lifelong friendship. A lot of people that do this can’t claim that,’ added Michael.

‘I think we quit at the right time. This was a really great place to finish, great tour, great album, go home.’ Buck concluded.

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