Resolution criteria

This market resolves YES if R.E.M. announces and completes a live tour (multiple shows across different venues) before December 31, 2027. The tour must be officially promoted as an R.E.M. reunion tour featuring the four original members (Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry) performing together as the primary act. One-off performances, tribute show appearances, or festival slots do not count as a tour. Resolution will be determined by official announcements from the band or their representatives, verified through major music news outlets.

Background

R.E.M. broke up in 2011 after 31 years as a band. The four founding members reunited for their first public live performance since 2007 in June 2024 at their Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and reunited again in February 2025 to perform at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Georgia. However, band members have agreed there was nothing that would make them reconsider their decision to remain broken up.

Considerations

Peter Buck said he wouldn't know what he'd be trying to accomplish if the group officially got back together, and Michael Stipe agreed there's not going to be another "one last time." Stipe explained: "It's like all the reasons you don't want to do it are still in place. We are lucky enough to have…don't really love the word 'legacy,' that we can leave in place and not mess up. And you don't get that opportunity but one time. Once you change that, you can't go back."