R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe Reflects On the Band’s Long Career

Although the loss of legendary alt-rockers R.E.M. is a definite bummer, nobody can knock them for amicably closing up shop after 31 years; declining to go rock till you die à la Rolling Stones, the band officially parted ways three years ago.

Now, R.E.M. are gearing up to celebrate their history with a new six-DVD box set retrospective called 'REMTV.' The collection compiles two 'MTV Unplugged' episodes, concert footage from between 1995-2008, a 'VH1 Storytellers' show, performances from various MTV award shows, their 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and a new documentary -- plus tons of bonus features.

Singer Michael Stipe sat down with MTV to discuss the set and the band's outlook during their time together, including their expanded worldview with their touring lifestyle. On the Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush years, Stipe shares, "These were dark times for this country and politically, laws were being changed, policies were being implemented that we are still struggling under," he said. "To be a pop star and to be political was not altogether a bad thing."

Stipe also compliments Lady Gaga, “I actually thought (Gaga) was someone who captured a zeitgeist and pushed a very progressive acceptance of sexuality in the 21st century forward in a really cool way.”

Check out the full interview here, and look for the box set out this Tuesday, Nov. 24. Get details on the release here.

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