R.E.M., has been heralded as “America’s Best Rock and Roll Band” by Rolling Stone magazine. The iconic band rose from cult college radio status to sell more than 100 million albums worldwide and be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. Over the past six years, photographer David Belisle has traveled with the band photographing their tours, recording and video sessions, and has captured their on- and off-stage lives with unprecedented access. In his new book, R.E.M.: HELLO 175 of his most captivating color and black and white photographs are collected with handwritten captions by the band and an introduction by Michael Stipe.

Fans of R.E.M. will be treated to candid, previously unseen photos of the band and their personal recollections of video shoots, concerts, road travels, and moments of repose. In addition, fans will be able to access exclusive book content at www.chroniclebooks.com/rem.

The publication of R.E.M.: HELLO coincides with the release of REM’s 14th album studio album, Accelerate, in April of this year, which will be followed by North American and European tours over the summer. For information on the tour go to: ww.remhq.com.

You can preorder the book at Amazon.com

NOTE: Preorders through the Chronicle Books site are eligible, if in the first 150, for a very cool limited edition poster.