What year did R.E.M. form?

R.E.M. formed in 1980. The band began when singer Michael Stipe met guitarist Peter Buck at Athens, Georgia's Wuxtry Records, where Buck worked. They soon recruited bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry, both University of Georgia students and experienced musicians.

The four members rehearsed in Athens and played their first show on April 5, 1980, at a birthday party in a former church. The group initially performed a mixture of original songs and covers before developing the jangly, atmospheric sound that became its signature.

The year is sometimes confused with 1981 because that was when R.E.M. released its debut single, "Radio Free Europe." The band did not become nationally famous immediately; its early success grew through Athens venues, college radio and independent releases. R.E.M. eventually became one of the most influential American alternative-rock bands before ending its original run in 2011.