The rise of R.E.M. from cult heroes to superstars during the New Wave era proved that deserving, non-gimmicky American rock bands could still make it on their own terms. R.E.M.'s example of inspiration, hard work and self-belief served as a beacon that illuminated an alternative path for many musicians in the Eighties and Nineties. Without R.E.M., it's hard to imagine the alt-rock, indie-rock and college-rock movements of the last two decades. The patient, deliberate way in which R.E.M.'s career unfolded could serve as a textbook example on balancing art and commerce without compromise. As David Fricke wrote in Rolling Stone, ...