R.E.M. were one of the biggest, and most important, bands of the last forty years, redefining the sound of the nineties and noughties. With full cooperation from the band Tony Fletcher has pulled back the curtain on one of the last mythical rock groups in this classic musical biography.
The enigmatic band from Athens, Georgia, have their story told in a tone that strays neither into fan worship or critical cynicism, drawing on co-operation with the band members themselves. REM's journey from cult status to global stardom is contextualised against the general story of American independent music in the eighties and nineties. Fully updated edition.