R.E.M. is considered one of the most influential music groups of the past two decades, inspiring an entire generation of American "alternative" rock bands with their twangy guitar sound, grassroots support and independent work ethic. Since forming in the early '80s in Athens, Ga., the down-to-earth quartet has sold tens of millions of albums worldwide; evolving from small clubs and college radio to packed arenas and MTV, all without substantially compromising their artistic direction. R.E.M. brought the do-it-yourself, uncommercial spirit of punk to more traditional rock music, rising from the underground to the big time through hard work and consistent songwriting rather than media hype and lucky hit singles. At a time when most new bands were based around synthesizers and flashy clothes, R.E.M. relied upon simple musicianship to win over fans, a few at a time.

The roots of R.E.M. extend back to the college town of Athens, Ga. in 1979, where University of Georgia student and record collector Michael Stipe (vocals) met record store clerk Peter Buck (guitar); the pair became roommates and soon formed a band with fellow students Mike Mills (bass) and Bill Berry (drums), who had been jamming together since high school. After performing an April 1980 show/party at Stipe and Buck's abandoned church apartment, the group settled on the name R.E.M. and began playing at local bars, including the now-famous 40 Watt Club, which was to become their home base. Over the next two years the foursome expanded their following, going on short tours of the Southeast, building up a loyal hometown audience, and recording some material, including the single "Radio Free Europe," which received significant college airplay.