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Around 15 years after calling it quits, one of alternative rock's most influential bands is making its stance clear about the possibility of a reunion tour.
R.E.M.'s longtime guitarist, Peter Buck, shared his thoughts on reunion tours in a revealing new interview. Speaking with Mojo magazine, he said, "When we decided it was the end, I felt fine with it... We reached the end of that road. And it was a great road and I’m really proud to have done that with everybody, but it just seemed like a really good time to walk away."
He also called out other classic rock bands who have undertaken reunion tours and performances, such as Oasis and Rush. Buck added, "Unlike every other band in the world other than The Smiths, we’re not going to be doing the famous album reunion tour or any of that crap."
"It’s just not going to happen," He concluded. Buck highlighted the great memories the band and fans have of their time together, before sharing another reason they don't have plans for a reunion.
"I just don’t want to be the legacy act at Glastonbury playing our 40-year-old hits," he said. "I don’t want to cheapen it by going out there just for ego and money. I don’t need the money, and my ego? Well, I’ve had enough applause to last 10 lifetimes.”
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This is unfortunate news for R.E.M. fans who might've been hopeful for a reunion. Despite the band performing together in 2024 for their induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, there are no plans to tour again.
More recently, the band got back together for a surprise, and likely one-time-only, performance in February 2025 in Georgia. They performed with Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy, who were touring their R.E.M. tribute project.
There's always a chance that the members of R.E.M. will change their minds one day and return to the stage together. But for now, fans shouldn't have any expectations.
Related: '80s Rock Icon Says He Would 'Rather Die' Than Reunite With Former Bandmates
