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During R.E.M.'s 20 years of existence, they have performed hundreds of different songs. Included in this list are all of the ones that they are known to have performed from the start in April 1980, and up to their 20th anniversary, on April 5th 2000. It features all R.E.M.'s own songs, whether they have been demoed, recorded in a studio or played live. Included are also the myriad of interesting cover versions they have pulled out of the hat on numerous occasions to either annoy or please the audience. In most cases Michael only knows the words to one verse. He sometimes even sings only one line from the song a cappella. To complete this list, all songs involving guests and friends of R.E.M. and all songs recorded or played live by other bands, with contributions from members of R.E.M. are also included. Songs that are only produced by members of R.E.M. are numerous, but not included.
This list is a larger, updated version of the excellent one that first appeared in Marcus Gray's book "IT CRAWLED FROM THE SOUTH" (Guiness Publishing Ltd 1992, revised edition 1996), which is a must for R.E.M.-fans!
Tim Abbott's article named "FINEST WORKSONGS" in Paul Holmes' R.E.M.-fanzine "CHRONIC TOWN" issues # 13 - 16 (Spring 1994 - Summer 1995), Gary Nabor's book "REMNANTS" (Eclipse Publishing 1993 + Supplement 1995) and Craig Rosen's "INSIDE OUT" (Carlton Books Limited 1997) have all been sources for this list.