It's the end of the world

as we know it.

R.E.M. announced today that it is breaking up. After 30 years of great American rock music, the musicians will no longer bring us great hits. A sad day in the music world.

A statement on the band's web site reads: “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 of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished. To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening.”