Popdose — It’s nothing more than a short, direct statement on their website, along with a band photo: “To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band. We walk away with a great se... more info

Pop Candy — This just in from R.E.M.'s official website: more info

VH1 Blog — R.E.M. have announced on their site this morning that they are breaking up. They posted the following message: To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band. We walk away w... more info

USA Today Music — It's the end of the world as we know it! R.E.M. is breaking up after 31 years in the music business. more info

Brooklyn Vegan — R.E.M. just posted the following message to their website:"To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band. We walk away with a great sense... more info

The Quietus — Stipe & co no more more info

VH1 Blog — Did you know Michael Stipe of R.E.M. had a Tumblr? Neither did we, but Stipe found a way to spread the word: he posted a time-lapse video of his bedroom and himself featuring a couple of full-frontal nude snapshots. Yikes! We’re kidding about Stipe... more info

Stereogum — Consider this: in a completely, literally revelatory Tumblr post, REM’s Michael Stipe gave us a tour of his dick, pretty much (it’s actually a tour of his bedroom, or something, but he doesn’t waste a lot of time getting Little Stipe out there)... more info

Gigwise — Michael Stipe and co part ways... more info

Yahoo! Music UK — XFM - The band call it a day after 31 years... more info