Hopefully this is just a Kaufman-esque goof, but it appears R.E.M. has decided to break up.

 For more than 30 years R.E.M. has entertained us with such hits as, Losing My Religion, Everybody Hurt, Man on the Moon, and What’s the Frequency Kenneth.  The band from Athens, Georgia was started by Michael Stipe (lead singer), Peter Buck (guitarist), Mike Mills (bass) and Bill Berry (drummer).

The group released a statement on 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 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.  R.E.M.”

Even though it’s the end of R.E.M., at least it’s not the end of the world:

Posted on September 21st, 2011