The four founding members of R.E.M. sat down for an interview with CBS Morning to discuss their history.
Michael Stipe, Mike Mills, and Peter Buck agreed on being at peace with their decision to disband in 2011, during the chat. But when asked if he had any second thoughts about leaving the lineup in 1997, Bill Berry said:
“[Sigh] Of course, I did. [Tearing up] That was a weird time for me, and I made it weird for these guys, too.”
His bandmates reassured Berry that it ‘wasn’t awkward’ and they ‘respected [his] decision.’ The drummer commented:
“Yeah, ‘cause we’re all sitting here friends again. [But] it was [hard]. I was going through a tough time.”
He Lost His ‘Energy’ Because of Health Issues
Bill Berry suffered a brain aneurysm at a Switzerland show in 1995 and later underwent surgery for it. He recovered quickly but decided to leave R.E.M. two years later for not feeling as ‘enthusiastic’ as before.
The drummer explained:
“I’m not gonna use that [health issues] as an excuse. Maybe, it reduced – Maybe, that thing in Switzerland – brain aneurysm, and successful surgery – it may have lowered my energy level. I was type A, hyperactive until that, and I just didn’t have the drive I once did to do this.”
He added:
“Yes [I had to give it up], and I didn’t regret it at the time. I sort of regretted it a little later. That was a long time ago. That was over a quarter of a century ago.”
Band Reunion For A New Show
Berry rejoined R.E.M. for several performances from 2003 to 2007. He also recorded a cover of John Lennon’s ‘#9 Dream’ for the charity album ‘Instant Karma: The Campaign to Save Darfur’ with the band.
The four original members came together once again to play their breakthrough hit ‘Losing My Religion’ at the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 13, 2024.
You can check out their new interview in the video below.