100 replies to this topic

[Driver Nate]

Magnetic_North, on 25 January 2011 - 05:55 AM, said:

Maybe they will tour, I don't think this is an official announcement. But even if they don't maybe they'll do a few intimate gigs in smaller venues.

The story has since been picked up by Pitchfork, Consequence of Sound and Slicing Up Eyeballs but they all originate from the original post from the Athens, Georgia Music & Arts blog. If Bertis has really made such an "official" statement it really doesn't strike me as such. That said, I have no doubt that it may be true it just seems strange that it hasn't been reported by more major music news sources.

[Martine]

Just some musings....:

What is a band?
Is it a group of musicians that play music live to people and record some of their songs for those who couldn't make the shows or as a memento for those who did?
Or is it a group of studio musicians that get together once in a while to hammer out an album, but don't play to a live audience (much)?

REM used to be the former. Maybe now they are ready to become the latter. Peter has so many side projects, he will be on the road no matter what. Michael seems pretty happy spending a lot of his time jetsetting in New York, attending (charity) red carpet events.
Mike likes to play golf and jump onstage anywhere with anyone if the opportunity presents itself.

It's their life. Their choice. However, if you ask me which incarnation of the band inspires more enthusiasm and admiration in me, personally, it is surely the former.
I will still listen to the music, but the fire in me is dying out. Which is kinda OK....

[Sweet Fanny Addams]

Another perspective...
Have any of the guys spoken about songs written for this album that didn't make the cut? Because sometimes, bands come up with a whole lot of material, and put a bunch aside because they don't fit on the current album, but would be great on the next one.

All this brings us back to whether CIN finishes their contract with WB. If it does, and they have no more albums they have to make, because they're no longer obligated. What then? Go to an indie label? Split up?
The whole tour/no tour thing depends on their future plans for REM. Can anyone shed light on that? It's pretty relevant. Lately (and by that I mean ever since Bill left) REM has been far more an amazing live band as opposed to one that puts out great albums. Up is immaculate, but it's one for the fans. It's quite dark and hard to relate to unless you're already a fan. Reveal and ATS were both pretty crap, IMO. Accelerate was a return to form but it still didn't rank with their best. What I've heard of CIN sound like the best thing they've done for a decade, but what if they're fed up instead of fired up with the whole thing?

[Martine]

Exactly. Like Etty says, the whole thing hinges on whether or not there will be more albums. A lot of people seem to think this was it, and that there may be a goodbye tour coming later on...

[Harshil]

Sweet Fanny Addams, on 26 January 2011 - 04:24 AM, said:

Another perspective...
Have any of the guys spoken about songs written for this album that didn't make the cut? Because sometimes, bands come up with a whole lot of material, and put a bunch aside because they don't fit on the current album, but would be great on the next one.

All this brings us back to whether CIN finishes their contract with WB. If it does, and they have no more albums they have to make, because they're no longer obligated. What then? Go to an indie label? Split up?
The whole tour/no tour thing depends on their future plans for REM. Can anyone shed light on that? It's pretty relevant. Lately (and by that I mean ever since Bill left) REM has been far more an amazing live band as opposed to one that puts out great albums. Up is immaculate, but it's one for the fans. It's quite dark and hard to relate to unless you're already a fan. Reveal and ATS were both pretty crap, IMO. Accelerate was a return to form but it still didn't rank with their best. What I've heard of CIN sound like the best thing they've done for a decade, but what if they're fed up instead of fired up with the whole thing?

As Bertis said, they don't tour for every release. I think people are reading too much into this, without considering the facts that they have completed 3 extensive world tours for the last 3 records, additionally their age. They may do some promo stuff, but personally i feel that this will only include songs from CIN. Which is a good thing, I would rather see R.E.M. do something they WANT to do (they have families and commitments like all of us) then see them do a tour without the same zeal as before.

It's unfair to question R.E.M.'s commitment to themselves as a band. People who are disappointed should be content with the upcoming record which seems to be hotly anticipated by all in 'Murmurs'. And yes, if they were breaking up, they would for all intensive purposes do a farewell tour of sorts. There is no indication they are splitting up, except that Michael is WAVING on the cover. This is as accurate a sign as saying they would break up in 1991mbecause they named their album 'Out of Time'. R.E.M. are clearly immensely proud of this record, it sounds really good (Uberlin has grown on me a small amount, hooray!) and to be honest, they are not as oblique and mysterious as fans perceive. Moreover, from my perspective, i would only be really excited by the prospect of seeing them live if they played more intimate venues, with more obscure songs on their set-lists. I love OC, MOTM, LMR etc. as much as any fan (actually MOTM live is really a pale imitation of the studio take, but acts as a fun, communal song live) but i would much prefer to see You Are the Everything, Be Mine and Perfect Circle (although they played this at Twickenham). If they stick with the usual setlists, i probably won't bother seeing them, depending on how much i like CIN.

[Sweet Fanny Addams]

Quote

It's unfair to question R.E.M.'s commitment to themselves as a band. People who are disappointed should be content with the upcoming record which seems to be hotly anticipated by all in 'Murmurs'

Why is it unfair to wonder about that? We're an REM fansite, the band has inspired so many of us in so many ways and this board has created so many friendships that have lasted for years, based on how we connect with the music  and the group dynamic of fans at gigs. When you're in a queue with 20 other people from 9 am till the gates open at a show, you discover lots of common ground. You get to know people and appreciate the tributes fans have made.
murmurs can be rightly proud for the alliances made on this board, some of which have led to  marriages and families. It's not some trivial thing, REM really made an impact on those that love or used to love them.
I don't think people should try and dictate what REM should do next. If they want to tour, they will. If they want to split up, they can, more easily now if they've fulfilled the terms of their contract.
But people here are going to care immensely about what happens next. How is that wrong?

[Avalon]

I think the age thing does have a significant role in why they aren't touring. I don't really mean the physical manifestations of age (though hell at 34, some things already creak on me!)keeping them from touring, but this being a time in their life/career to do whatever they feel like doing (especially before the physical limitations kick in).

These guys have spent half their lives being REM, promoting and working as that entity. Everything else in their lives seems to have been a "side project." I can't blame them for wanting, or even needing to put the REM part of their lives on the back burner. Not every band can be the Rolling Stones or Jimmy Buffet (hope he's ok after falling off stage last night!).

[Harshil]

thorn plucker, on 26 January 2011 - 08:05 AM, said:

As someone who is the same age as Mike Mills, I take offense at the idea (oh no! it hasn't just been you Harshil!) that the guys are too old to tour.  Good grief - all they need to do is pump themselves up on Geritol and they'll be ready to hit the road. Added bonus -they're all eligible for senior citizens discounts now - with all those savings on food and lodging; I'm sure a tour could turn a profit.  

Haha, for what it's worth I'm TWENTY. I wasn't even born when R.E.M. formed. The age comment was a secondary point, but i still think its a valid one. Also, if Michael Stipe moved to England, he could get a discounted bus-pass. Fuck taking the U-Bahn!

[Harshil]

Sweet Fanny Addams, on 26 January 2011 - 07:51 AM, said:

Why is it unfair to wonder about that? We're an REM fansite, the band has inspired so many of us in so many ways and this board has created so many friendships that have lasted for years, based on how we connect with the music  and the group dynamic of fans at gigs. When you're in a queue with 20 other people from 9 am till the gates open at a show, you discover lots of common ground. You get to know people and appreciate the tributes fans have made.
murmurs can be rightly proud for the alliances made on this board, some of which have led to  marriages and families. It's not some trivial thing, REM really made an impact on those that love or used to love them.
I don't think people should try and dictate what REM should do next. If they want to tour, they will. If they want to split up, they can, more easily now if they've fulfilled the terms of their contract.
But people here are going to care immensely about what happens next. How is that wrong?

I don't understand how your response is in any way linked to what i said. I do realise that people love R.E.M. (I am one of these people!), but they shouldn't get worked up and insult their integrity in such an unfounded way. As you said, it's up to them whether they tour, they've toured a lot in the last 8 years so really, we've sort of been spoilt.

[Sweet Fanny Addams]

Harshil, on 26 January 2011 - 10:19 AM, said:

I don't understand how your response is in any way linked to what i said. I do realise that people love R.E.M. (I am one of these people!), but they shouldn't get worked up and insult their integrity in such an unfounded way. As you said, it's up to them whether they tour, they've toured a lot in the last 8 years so really, we've sort of been spoilt.

Well, maybe I got the tone of your post wrong.
I haven't read all the posts about the possibilty of REM touring or not, so could be I missed what you're calling attacks on the band's integrity.
If REM break up a lot of people will be heartbroken. I'm one of those people. I have a very fulfilled life, I have a family and friends and other interests yet REM is such a big part of who I am today, their going separate ways would hurt. Is that a reason for them to stay together if they didn't want to? Of course not.
It's just that uncertainty hanging there leads to speculation and I fully understand people getting emotional about it.

[Harshil]

Sweet Fanny Addams, on 26 January 2011 - 10:45 AM, said:

REM is such a big part of who I am today.

I couldn't agree more: 11th Untitled Song from Green saved my life during a horrible time not so long ago and Stipe is my role model. My post was concerning people calling the band selfish etc. for not touring or spreading rumours about them splitting up . I do emphasise, being reasonably young i haven't 'grown up with the band' as such, but I have with other bands and it's a special thing. I really hope that if the band do break up, they do it in a way that suitably honours their whole career, something anyone can participate in. It definitely wasn't an ad hominem attack or anything on yourself

[Avalon]

If REM break up a lot of people will be heartbroken. I'm one of those people. I have a very fulfilled life, I have a family and friends and other interests yet REM is such a big part of who I am today, their going separate ways would hurt. Is that a reason for them to stay together if they didn't want to? Of course not.

Exactly how I feel as well.

Based on all the arguments and debates here, I suspect that this is how many of us feel, even if we don't consciously know it yet. Some will get their heart broken when REM stop making music, some will get their heart broken when they break up with their love of REM.

[blueshades87]

Driver Nate, on 25 January 2011 - 02:06 PM, said:

The story has since been picked up by Pitchfork, Consequence of Sound and Slicing Up Eyeballs but they all originate from the original post from the Athens, Georgia Music & Arts blog. If Bertis has really made such an "official" statement it really doesn't strike me as such. That said, I have no doubt that it may be true it just seems strange that it hasn't been reported by more major music news sources.

That blog is run by Julie who has done a ton of REM coverage of REM in the past for the Athens Banner-Herald. I'd believe her.

[rivers of suggestion]

there's a interview to mike mills on remhq where he says no tour and speaks about future.....

[CUYACOAT]

The interview with Mills is a little strange to say the least. REM have always in the past had meetings on a periodic basis to discuss the future. Buck said last year that that meeting would take place early next year. It would appear from the confirmation of not touring that the meeting has indeed taken place. And yet Mills gave little away except to say that with the profound changes in the music industry "Right now we are focused on this record and helping it do whatever it can and we'll see where we go from here. We just really don't know." So they have a meeting to make a decision and then say they haven't made one? Yeah right. Mills said with the change in the industry and the ending of the contract that REM could do everything or nothing. Well if they had decided on the former I think Mills would have given a little more to bite on don't you? And if they've decided on the latter they wouldn't tell us anyway yet, not with an album about to be released.

Just my gut feelings guys. Prepare for the worst I'd say.

[fanfan]

CUYACOAT, on 27 January 2011 - 03:29 PM, said:

The interview with Mills is a little strange to say the least. REM have always in the past had meetings on a periodic basis to discuss the future. Buck said last year that that meeting would take place early next year. It would appear from the confirmation of not touring that the meeting has indeed taken place. And yet Mills gave little away except to say that with the profound changes in the music industry "Right now we are focused on this record and helping it do whatever it can and we'll see where we go from here. We just really don't know." So they have a meeting to make a decision and then say they haven't made one? Yeah right. Mills said with the change in the industry and the ending of the contract that REM could do everything or nothing. Well if they had decided on the former I think Mills would have given a little more to bite on don't you? And if they've decided on the latter they wouldn't tell us anyway yet, not with an album about to be released.

Just my gut feelings guys. Prepare for the worst I'd say.

Did you see what Ethan just posted - that he is leaving Warners but continuing to work with R.E.M.? I guess that means they have been thinking about the future indeed.

[CUYACOAT]

fanfan, on 27 January 2011 - 03:35 PM, said:

Did you see what Ethan just posted - that he is leaving Warners but continuing to work with R.E.M.? I guess that means they have been thinking about the future indeed.

Yeah I read what Ethan posted but he may be continuing to work with REM for the next few months until they quit. I don't want to appear disrespectful to Ethan, I'm just trying to read between the lines and maybe the script I'm imagining doesn't exist. Maybe something positive for the future is in the works but reading Mills interview I dont get good vibes thats all.

[Avalon]

CUYACOAT, on 27 January 2011 - 03:54 PM, said:

Yeah I read what Ethan posted but he may be continuing to work with REM for the next few months until they quit. I don't want to appear disrespectful to Ethan, I'm just trying to read between the lines and maybe the script I'm imagining doesn't exist. Maybe something positive for the future is in the works but reading Mills interview I dont get good vibes thats all.

I imagine Mills said what he did because they will be leaving WB. Since the last album in their contract has yet to be released, it wouldn't be in anyone's best interest to make the announcement yet. Whether that be another label or their own label, I don't know, but I don't see them breaking up.

As for Ethan, he's no fool. I don't think he'd be leaving WB unless he had something solid lined up in the works. Not with a wife, mortgage, and a toddler.

I said this already on the other thread, but it offers a bit of a possible explanation. It would be a conflict of interest for Ethan to stay with WB, and continue to work with REM after they leave. I'm also hoping this means Ethan gets to work with REM in an even larger capacity. Pure speculation on my part, but it makes sense and it gives us optimism that REM will remain a band.

[Leilani]

My tuppence worth - as this is the end of the contract, and CIN is being released by WBR, then any Collapse Into Now tour would mean that WBR would get their share of the $$, so it almost makes sense that they are not touring this album, as it means they can go it alone sooner than if they tagged a 6 month tour onto the end.  I was feeling a bit bummed about there being no tour (not that I was likely to go to any shows), but now I'm feeling more hopeful; the band just need to ride this album promo wave, then the world will be there for them to tour!

Have faith people!

[e-botti]

Harshil, on 26 January 2011 - 06:31 AM, said:

i would much prefer to see You Are the Everything, Be Mine and Perfect Circle (although they played this at Twickenham).

it would be a dream....as it was when i heard for the first time song as Nightswimming, Strange Currencies and Swan Swan H....i will never forget those moments...