It’s been almost eight years since iconic alt-rockers R.E.M. called it quits, but it appears we’re getting closer than ever to finally receiving a solo record from the group’s frontman, Michael Stipe.
Back in September of 2011, the music world was shocked to learn that after 31 years together, R.E.M. were calling it a day.
Having released 15 records during their lifetime, R.E.M. were far more prolific than some of their contemporaries, with unreleased music still making an occasional appearance to this day.
However, following the group’s split, fans have been left wondering when and if frontman Michael Stipe might release some new music of his own.
While we’ve received the soundtrack to The Cold Lands, a collaboration with Courtney Love, and a snippet of a song called ‘Future, If Future’, Stipe has revealed that he actually has a bunch of solo material all ready to go.
Check out Michael Stipe and Courtney Love performing ‘Rio Grande’:
As the R.E.M. HQ website reports, Michael Stipe recently took part in an interview with Italian magazine La Repubblica. While the main focus was his photography, the discussion seemingly moved onto the topic of music soon enough.
“18 songs are already ready,” Stipe began. “For five years I’d had a clean break from music. Now I’m writing, composing and recording all by myself and for the first time.”
Although Michael Stipe didn’t reveal when we would be hearing this new material, he did note that the three new songs he performed as part of an opening set for Patti Smith earlier this year were in fact a “taster” of what was to come.
Of course, if you’re hanging out for an R.E.M. reunion, then you might be left wanting, with Stipe explaining back in 2016 that such an event will “never happen”.
“There’s no point,” Stipe explained to CBS This Morning. “I love those guys very much and I respect them hugely as musicians and as songwriters and everything but I just don’t want to do that thing that people do.
“I despise nostalgia. I’m not good at looking back.”
Check out ‘The Great Beyond’ by R.E.M.:
