Weaver D: R.E.M. Breakup a "Sudden Surprise"

Story by Kelly Corbett

Dexter Weaver, of , is saddened his friends at R.E.M. are breaking up the band.

After being together for over 30 years, R.E.M. members on Wednesday, Sept. 21 on their website.

“It was such a sudden surprise,” Weaver said at his restaurant on Thursday. “I heard it last night on Channel 5.”

Weaver is still in contact with the band and said his favorite song is “Shiny Happy People” from their 1991 album "Out of Time."

“We still have a lot of tourists come in town to see them -- catch a glimpse -- hopefully that won’t stop,” he said.

The connection between Weaver and R.E.M. is most obvious from Weaver’s catchphrase “Automatic for the People,” which was used as the title for the R.E.M. album released in October 1992.

David Elder of Demorest, Ga., lived in Athens for over 36 years and is more than familiar with R.E.M. and the B52’s.

“They survived a lot longer than a lot of bands,” Elder said. “Might need to do something to recharge their batteries again, so to speak.”

Larry Potts of Athens said maybe in a couple of years R.E.M. members will do a fundraiser for a special cause and get back together.

“They can’t get out of Athens,” Potts said. “Someone will motivate them to do something.”

R.E.M. has a large following in the Athens area and has a wide collection of music to show for it. They are also known for attending fundraisers, such as , which puts on the Taste of Athens event each year, and for supporting various progress causes, political candidates and organizations.

“I’m so sad. Hopefully they’ll get together again,” Weaver said. “Like Gladys Knight said ‘the road’s got to end somewhere.’ ”

For a list of REM songs, click .