The Name of This Band Is R.E.M.: A Biography

**”R.E.M.: A Biography”** is a comprehensive book written by **Robert Dean Lurie**, detailing the story of the iconic American rock band **R.E.M.**. Published in **2004**, this biography chronicles the band’s journey from their formation in Athens, Georgia in 1980 through their rise to global fame, providing insight into their music, personal dynamics, and cultural impact.

The biography takes a deep dive into the band’s members — **Michael Stipe** (vocals), **Peter Buck** (guitar), **Mike Mills** (bass), and **Bill Berry** (drums) — focusing on their individual backgrounds, creative processes, and struggles. The title of the book, **”R.E.M.”**, refers to the band’s name, which itself is a mystery and has become iconic in the music world. Lurie explores their groundbreaking albums, including “Murmur,” “Document,” “Automatic for the People,” and “Out of Time,” which solidified R.E.M. as one of the most influential bands in the alternative rock scene of the 1980s and 1990s.

Through interviews with band members, industry figures, and others who worked with R.E.M., Lurie crafts a detailed narrative that also delves into the cultural and political themes the band addressed in their music. The book includes reflections on their pioneering role in the indie rock movement and their impact on the development of alternative music in the 1980s and beyond.

In short, **”R.E.M.: A Biography”** serves as both an exploration of the band’s history and a deep reflection on their artistic evolution, legacy, and influence in popular music.