Introduction
R.E.M. is a legendary alternative rock band that formed in Athens, Georgia in 1980. Over the course of their career, they released fifteen studio albums, gained critical acclaim and commercial success, and sold over 85 million records worldwide. After almost thirty years together, the band announced their retirement in 2011.
One of the most notable changes since then is that R.E.M. no longer tours. This raises the question: does R.E.M. still tour? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question by looking at interviews with a band member, an analysis of the impact of not touring on R.E.M.’s popularity, a look at their tour history, reactions from fans and music industry professionals, and the benefits of not touring for the band.
Interview with a R.E.M. Band Member About Touring
In an interview with Mike Mills, bassist and vocalist for R.E.M., he explained why the band decided to stop touring. He said that while they were still passionate about making music and playing live shows, they had reached a point in their careers where it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the demands of touring. He noted that the members of the band were all getting older and wanted to spend more time with their families.
Mills also discussed how this decision has impacted the band. He said that the lack of touring has given them more time to focus on writing and recording new music, which has resulted in some of the best albums of their career. However, he also admitted that not being able to play live shows has been difficult for the band, as they miss the energy and connection that comes from performing in front of a live audience.
An Analysis of the Impact of Not Touring on R.E.M.’s Popularity
Since R.E.M. stopped touring, there has been much speculation about the impact this has had on their popularity. To get an idea of how their fans have reacted to the decision, we can look at audience reviews of their last two albums, Collapse Into Now (2011) and Out of Time (1991). The reviews show that their fans are generally positive about the albums, with many praising the band for continuing to make great music despite not touring.
We can also compare the sales and chart performance of these albums to those released before and after the band stopped touring. Collapse Into Now peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, while Out of Time peaked at number one. Both albums were certified platinum, indicating strong sales. This suggests that R.E.M.’s decision to stop touring has had little effect on their popularity.
A Look at R.E.M. Tour History
Despite no longer touring, R.E.M. has a long and storied history of live performances. They first began touring in 1981 and went on to play hundreds of shows across the U.S. and Europe. Some of their most memorable performances include their 1991 MTV Unplugged appearance and their 2003 appearance at Glastonbury.
The band also made several notable stops on their tours, such as their 1984 concert at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, California and their 1998 concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. These shows were some of the most acclaimed performances of the band’s career and remain iconic moments in the history of live music.
How Fans Feel About Not Being Able To See R.E.M. Live
Many R.E.M. fans have expressed disappointment at not being able to see the band perform live. While they understand and respect the band’s decision to no longer tour, they miss the experience of seeing them live. They also feel that not being able to do so has taken away a valuable way to connect with the band and their music.
To cope with this loss, some fans have taken to social media to discuss their favorite R.E.M. songs and share stories of past concerts. Others have organized meet-ups and tribute concerts to celebrate the band’s legacy. While these activities can’t replace the experience of seeing the band live, they do provide fans with an outlet to express their love and appreciation for R.E.M.
A Comparison of R.E.M.’s Touring and Non-Touring Albums
Comparing R.E.M.’s touring and non-touring albums reveals interesting insights into how the band’s sound has evolved over time. Their touring albums tend to be more energetic and upbeat, with driving guitar riffs and catchy hooks. Meanwhile, their non-touring albums feature slower, more introspective songs that explore deeper themes.
Analyzing the lyrics of both types of albums provides further evidence of the band’s growth and evolution. The lyrics on their touring albums often focus on topics like love and relationships, while their non-touring albums delve into more complex issues such as politics and mortality. This shift in subject matter reflects the band’s maturing songwriting style and indicates that they have continued to evolve even without touring.
Exploring the Benefits of Not Touring for R.E.M.
Though the decision to stop touring has been difficult for the band, there have been some notable benefits. Perhaps the most obvious is the financial aspect. By no longer having to pay for tour expenses, the band has saved a considerable amount of money.
Not touring has also allowed the band more time to focus on creating new music. This has resulted in some of their most acclaimed work, such as their Grammy-winning album Out of Time. Without the pressures of touring, the band has been able to take risks and experiment with different sounds, resulting in some of their most creative and ambitious work.
Reactions from Music Industry Professionals to R.E.M.’s Decision to No Longer Tour
Reactions from other musicians and music industry professionals to R.E.M.’s decision to no longer tour have been mixed. Some have praised the band for taking a stand against the pressures of the live music industry, while others have criticized them for not doing enough to support the live music scene. Regardless, most agree that the band’s retirement has had a significant impact on the music world.
In addition, many artists have cited the band as an inspiration for their own decisions to no longer tour. These include bands such as Radiohead, who announced their retirement in 2015, and Wilco, who stopped touring in 2019. While some may view these decisions as detrimental to the live music scene, it is clear that R.E.M.’s influence has had a lasting impact on the industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while R.E.M. no longer tours, the impact of this decision on the band’s popularity and fan base has been minimal. Their last two albums have performed well commercially and received positive reviews from fans, indicating that their retirement has had little effect on their appeal. Furthermore, their decision has allowed them to focus on creating new music, resulting in some of their most acclaimed work.
Ultimately, R.E.M.’s decision to no longer tour has been met with both criticism and praise from music industry professionals. While some have seen it as a step back for the live music scene, others have applauded the band for taking a stand against the pressures of touring. Whatever the opinion, it is clear that R.E.M. has left an indelible mark on the music world.
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