Among the contributions to the world of music from Athens, Georgia, the band R.E.M. is one of the town’s biggest – not just in terms of fame – but in the strength of their Athens roots.
In their early years, R.E.M.’s members attended UGA, worked at the landmark Wuxtry Records and played unforgettable DIY shows in the bohemian hideaways of a thriving ‘80s art scene.
A new, comprehensive biography of the band by author John Hunter titled “Maps and Legends: The Story of R.E.M.” is out now.
In this interview, Hunter speaks with “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes about his epic work of music history, which is so near and dear to Georgia’s heart.
“There was this real militant purism among the indie rock scene of the day and there was this real taboo against success,” Hunter says.
