R.E.M. End of an Era

After 31 years and 15 studio albums, the legendary rock band R.E.M. has called it quits.

The following announcement was posted to the band’s official site this morning:

To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band. We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished. To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening.

On his personal Tumblr blog, lead singer Michael Stipe wrote: THANKS PETER, MIKE, BILL, BERTIS AND EVERYONE WHO WAS EVER THERE, WHAT AN ADVENTURE!!! XXX MICHAEL.”