2011-09-21 R.E.M. is an American rock band formed in  Athens ,  Georgia , in 1980 by  Michael Stipe  (lead vocals),  Peter Buck  (guitar),  Mike Mills (bass guitar), and  Bill Berry  (drums and percussion). R.E.M. was one of the first popular  alternative rock  bands, and gained early attention due to Buck's ringing, arpeggiated guitar style and Stipe's unclear vocals. R.E.M.