The Story of R.E.M. The most successful college radio band ever

Picture a 1970s American teen, dressed as Frank N. Furter from Rocky Horror, interviewed on local TV outside a suburban cinema. That fearless teen grows up to be Michael Stipe, lead singer of R.E.M., the first alternative band to achieve global commercial success, from its origins in tiny Athens, Georgia.  The first alternative band from the college radio airwaves to experience mass commercial success with 90 million albums sold, R.E.M. occupies an influential position in music history, inspiring many bands with their fiercely independent spirit and sound.  On this episode you'll learn:How Athens, Georgia became the unlikely spawning ground for several successful bands.How R.E.M. created a memorable sound by combining punk, pop music, southern rock and R'n'B  Why Pearl Jam and Nirvana cited R.E.M. as a major trailblazer, and influence on their soundHow an onstage near-tragedy changed the band forever... The college radio strategy the company employed to build its credibility and momentumWhy R.E.M. turned down the offer to write a theme song for the popular TV show FriendsGuest Bio - Peter Ames Carlin, author & journalistBest-selling author Peter Ames Carlin appeared on our Bruce Springsteen episode. He is the author of  The Name of This Band is R.E.M. He's also written biographies on Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys and Paul McCartney of The Beatles.  Follow Garage to Stadiums (GTS) on social channels  Follow GTS on Apple or Spotify podcasts to be alerted when our next episode dropsFollow Garage to Stadiums (GTS) on social channels  Download the Official Garage to Stadiums playlists for R.E.M. Apple Music or SpotifyVisit GaragetoStadiums.com for bonus content on all of our acts featured including concert footage, etranscripts and other interesting facts.