R.E.M.

R.E.M. formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980, when four University of Georgia students came together: Michael Stipe on vocals, Peter Buck on guitar, Mike Mills on bass and Bill Berry on drums. Their sound grew from Buck's arpeggiated, chiming guitar, Stipe's distinctive voice and cryptic lyrics, and Mills's countermelodic bass and harmonies. They started on the independent Hib-Tone label with "Radio Free Europe" in 1981, then built a following through college radio and constant touring. Murmur arrived in 1983.

Out of Time (1991) and Automatic for the People (1992) were their biggest records, and "Losing My Religion" was their highest-charting hit. Green and Monster are also among their best-known albums. Berry left in 1997, and the trio carried on until they parted amicably in 2011. Nirvana, the Pixies and Pavement all named them as pioneers of alternative rock.