Coldplay have paid tribute to R.E.M. after the American group confirmed their split.
Well, it had to end some time. R.E.M. had spent the best part of 30 years making challenging, often quite moving music, which first defined and then ultimately eclipsed the American college rock scene.
Announcing their split in a three way statement, it seemed that R.E.M. were – if you’ll pardon the terrible pun – simply out of time.
Since then, tributes have been pouring in for the seminal outfit. Coldplay are avowed fans, and have frequently praised R.E.M. during interviews. Performing at the Music Midtown festival in the band’s hometown of Athens, Georgia Coldplay decided to pay tribute to the seminal American group.
“One of our favourite bands of all time, R.E.M., for some crazy reason have finished and it’s sad. So with the most respect in the world, this is just to show how much they meant to us” said Chris Martin.
Coldplay then performed a version of ‘Everybody Hurts’ – the enormous hit single which thrust R.E.M. into a world of stadium tours.
Meanwhile, R.E.M. will say farewell with a new ‘Greatest Hits’ package. Consequence of Sound points to an Amazon listing, which seems to trace the band’s career from cult obscurity to world fame.
‘Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage: 1982-2011’ is set to be released on November 15th in the United States, which generally points to a British release date of November 14th.
The album will cover both major periods of the band’s career, including their rise on IRS Records before a switch to Warner Brothers.
No tracklisting details have been confirmed.
