R.E.M. Plays First Public Performance In Years At Songwriters Hall Of Fame Induction

You remember 2007. We were at war in Iraq. Britney Spears shaved her head. The Sopranos ended. Mad Men premiered.

And R.E.M. gave its last public performance at its Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.

That last item changed on Thursday night in New York, as R.E.M. was inducted into the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame and marked the occasion by performing for the first time together in 17 years.

The band — lead vocalist Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry — reunited for the 53rd annual Induction and Awards Dinner, which took place at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. They playd

The band — lead vocalist Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry — reunited for the 53rd annual Induction and Awards Dinner, which took place at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. They played an acoustic version of their Top 5 hit, “Losing My Religion,” for a rapt and delighted audience.

R.E.M. was recognized alongside Hillary Lindsey, Dean Pitchford and Timothy Mosley (Timbaland), and Donald Fagen and Walter Becker of Steely Dan. Diane Warren received the Johnny Mercer Award and SZA received the Hal David Starlight Award.

Berry left the band in 1997, two years after suffering a double brain aneurysm on stage in Switzerland. The group eventually disbanded in 2011.

“Writing songs and having a catalog of work that we’re all proud of that is out there for the whole world for the rest of time is hands down the most important aspect of what we did as a band,” Stipe said at the event. “Second to that is that we managed to do so for all these decades and remain friends — and not just friends but dear friends, friends for life.”

“What a ride it has been,” he added. “It truly means the world to us that you recognize us tonight. And for that, we thank you for this incredible honor.”