R.E.M. breaks up

After 30 years & 15 studio albums... REM is no more. The band made the announcement Wednesday (9/21.11) on their website, posting a message that, like most things they did, was almost unyieldingly humble:

"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. ~