Just hours after stating on CBS Mornings that it would take “a comet” for them to reunite, R.E.M. astonished fans by doing just that. Michael Stipe, Mike Mills, Peter Buck, and Bill Berry took the stage together for the first time in 15 years at the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York. They performed a surprise rendition of their classic hit “Losing My Religion,” much to the delight of the audience. Watch the video from the crowd below.
During the acceptance speech, Michael Stipe reflected on the band’s remarkable journey. He emphasized the significance of their songwriting legacy, saying, “Writing songs and having a catalog of work that we’re all proud of—that is out there for the whole world for the rest of time—is hands down the most important aspect of what we did as a band. Second to that is that we managed to do so for all these decades and remain friends, and not just friends, but dear friends—friends for life.” Stipe also highlighted the band’s commitment to equality and collaboration: “We are four people who, very early on, decided that we would own our own masters. We would split our royalties and songwriting credits equally. We were all for one and one for all. We set out to do our work accordingly. It turned out good, sometimes great, and what a ride it has been.”
Prior to this unexpected reunion, R.E.M.’s last official concert was held in 2008 at the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City. Their return to the stage not only marked a significant moment for the band but also delighted long-time fans who had been hoping for such a moment for years. The induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame is a testament to R.E.M.’s enduring impact on the music industry and their lasting legacy as pioneering artists.