Let's R.E.M.-ember: 31 Billboard Chart Milestones Over The Band's 31-Year Career
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R.E.M. has called it quits after 31 years of trailblazing the alternative rock scene. In a simple statement on their website, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers give thanks to fans for sticking with them.
In honor of the band's breakup, check out 10 choice R.E.M. cuts, and tell us which of their songs is your favorite in the comments section below.
After more than three decades and 15 studio albums, alternative cornerstone R.E.M. announced its breakup yesterday (Sept. 21).
"A wise man once said, 'the skill in attending a party is knowing when it's time to leave'," the band's lead singer Michael Stipe wrote on the band's official website. "We built something extraordinary together. We did this thing. And now we're going to walk away from it.
"I hope our fans realize this wasn't an easy decision; but all things must end, and we wanted to do it right, to do it our way."
R.E.M. Break Up: 'Our Deepest Thanks for Listening'
In celebration of the band's 31 years, here are 31 chart highlights that narrate the storyline of the group's many successes on Billboard surveys.
May 14, 1983
R.E.M. makes its first appearance on a Billboard chart, as debut set "Murmur" enters the Billboard 200. The set would peak at No. 36.
May 21, 1983
A week later, the Athens, Ga., band dents its first Billboard songs chart, as "Radio Free Europe" debuts on Mainstream Rock. It would rise to No. 25 on the chart.
July 23, 1983
R.E.M. makes its unassuming Billboard Hot 100 introduction, as "Europe" starts at No. 90. It would reach No. 78 in a five-week run.
May 5, 1984
Second set "Reckoning" arrives on the Billboard 200. The album would climb to No. 27.
May 26, 1984
"Reckoning" single, and an eventual alternative classic like "Europe," "so. Central Rain (I'm Sorry)" begins on Mainstream Rock, where it would reach No. 43. It would cross to a No. 85 peak on the Hot 100.
June 29, 1985
Another summer, another album that would help build R.E.M.'s loyal following: "Fables of the Reconstruction" enters the Billboard 200 on its way to a No. 28 peak.
July 6, 1985
"Fables" lead track "Can't Get There From Here" begins its ascent to a No. 14 peak on Mainstream Rock. Follow-up "Driver 8" would motor to No. 22.
Aug. 23, 1986
"Lifes Rich Pageant" bows on the Billboard 200. It would go on to reach No. 21, the band's highest peak on the tally to that point.
Aug. 30, 1986
R.E.M. scores its first top 10 on a Billboard chart, as "Fall on Me" rises 12-9 on Mainstream Rock. The jangly melodic rocker, which hinted at the band's pop radio potential, would bound to No. 5 on Mainstream Rock and manage a No. 94 Hot 100 peak. Fellow "Pageant" contender "Superman" would reach No. 17 on Mainstream Rock.
NEXT: 'DOCUMENT'-ING R.E.M.'s TOP 40 CROSSOVER
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