R.E.M. was an American rock band formed in 1980 in Athens, Georgia, known for pioneering the alternative rock movement with their jangly guitar sound and introspective lyrics. Fronted by Michael Stipe, with Peter Buck on guitar, Mike Mills on bass, and Bill Berry on drums, they gained mainstream success with albums like Murmur (1983), Document (1987), and Automatic for the People (1992). Their influence on indie and alternative rock remains strong, with hits like Losing My Religion and Everybody Hurts defining the sound of a generation. 🎸