SPIN

R.E.M in Los Angeles in 1983, the year their debut album was released.

Peter Buck catches some air at an early gig.

R.E.M. in Chicago, July 1984.

R.E.M. onstage in 1986.

Michael Stipe onstage at the 1989 Pinkpop Festival in the Netherlands.

Natalie Merchant, Billie Bragg, and Michael Stipe in 1990.

R.E.M. and their multiple MTV Video Music Awards in 1991.

Bill Berry, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe and Peter Buck holding their trophies at the 1992 Grammy Awards.

Peter Buck at the 15th Annual Bridge Benefit at Mountain View, California's Shoreline Amphitheater on October 21st, 2001.

Michael Stipe on the set of R.E.M.'s "Imitation of Life" video in February 2001.

Michael Stipe and Bono kick back at a February 2002 benefit.

Michael Stipe, Conor Oberst, Bruce Springsteen, Mike Mills, and Steven van Zandt join forces on the 2004 Vote for Change tour.

R.E.M. onstage at Live 8 in 2005.

R.E.M.'s original lineup reunite for the 28th Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards on September 16, 2006.

Michael Stipe takes the stage on behalf of R.E.M. at the 22nd Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the New York's Waldorf Astoria on March 12, 2007.

Michael Stipe and Patti Smith team up at the 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony to perform "I Wanna Be Your Dog/People Have the Power."

Michael Stipe, Mike Mills, and Peter Buck sign posters during rehearsals for the R.E.M. tribute show at New York's Carnegie Hall on March 11, 2009.

Michael Stipe onstage at R.E.M.'s last Madison Square Garden show on June 19, 2008.

Michael Stipe appears on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon on March 3, 2011.

R.E.M. shot for their final album, 2011's Collapse Into Now, by the legendary Anton Corbijn.