American rock band formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980 by Michael Stipe (vocals), Peter Buck (guitar), Mike Mills (bass), and Bill Berry (drums). Their jangle-pop and post-punk-influenced sound, showcased on albums like Murmur (1983), Document (1987), and Automatic for the People (1992), helped define American alternative and college rock.

R.E.M. sold over 85 million records and is credited as a pivotal influence on alternative rock, paving the way for bands including Nirvana and Radiohead; they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

Sources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R.E.M._(band)