RIP R.E.M: The Way They Were

After a long and storied career and smash hits like "Losing My Religion," and "The End Of The World As We Know It," the alt-rock band R.E.M announced Wednesday they were splitting up after 31 years together.

"A wise man once said, 'The skill in attending a party is knowing when it's time to leave,' " Michael Stipe, the group's lead singer, wrote on the band's website. "We built something extraordinary together. We did this thing. And now we're going to walk away from it. I hope our fans realize it wasn't an easy decision, but all things must end."

The band included Stipe, bassist Mike Mills and guitarist Peter Buck. A greatest hits CD is scheduled for release in November.

Walk down memory lane with our photo gallery of the way they were. See the gallery here.

--Christy Strawser