I agree with Robert that he can be very pretentious and self-righteous. It is hard for these guys to keep grounded however when one has 50 000 people screaming for them at a show. I totally disagree that Monster was the end. 'Up' is one of my favourite albums of all time. He is right - it would be great if the next album stands up to all the hype. I do not think if it doesn't they would be over. Sometimes great bands make mediocre albums.

Owen, Dallas, Texas

I love REM and Stipe, but they did not start the "alternative" trend of the 80s unless you define "alternative" in some uncommonly narrow way. Despite their great sound, REM was a latecomer to a Byrds-influenced, jangly pop revival that had been going on since the late 70s. And many creative people had been wearing thrift shop clothes for years, often in more influential ways than Stipe and REM did. Similarly, Stipe was not an early-comer to the shaven head fashion. That was a strong trend, popular with both sexes, that predated Stipe by several years. It seems like fashion/pop culture writers just make up things, often following their peers, without looking into the subjects they're writing about. I remember Angela Davis once complaining about how fashion journalists in the 90s had people believing that she had originated the Afro back in the 60s, when she was just participating in a style that was already popular. Why do fashion journalists just make up things?

Dean Garrett, Austin, TX

Nice interview ...... a nice peek into a day in the life and very real which I like. Having seen the band live many many times and having met the man himself this interview is him thinking out loud - rambling as he does on stage. Of course he can be precieved as pretentious - can't anyone with strong opinions and courage enough to voice them. I believe from the earliest interview to recent ones he has stayed more true to himself than any other giant of the rock world. As for Mr. Horton .... having a bad day? Honestly state an opinion but no need to be nasty! I have been a fan since 1989 or thereabouts and have a lot of respect for Michael and the rest of the band - past members, present members and the team that works with them to not just make music but use their position quite rightly to push causes they believe in into the spotlight. As for his image - pretty cool! As for his talent - from Dublin show I was lucky enough to see there is no question about that! Thanks REM :-)

Maureen, London, UK

I agree with Mr. Horton. I've been following REM since '85, and Stipe has become a pretentious, self-absorbed, self-rightious
joke. I mean, what a inflated sense of self-importance. He is totally different than the incredibly awesome artist he was when the band was in their early years. I know people change, but he has changed for the worst. He lost his credibility .

Bob A., Detroit, USA/MI.

Wow, some pretty snippy comments.My Mother always said if you don't have something nice to say...Sometimes it must suck to be famous. God knows, I've been an annoying fan myself at times.Sorry Michael and thanks for putting up with us.

Anyway ,I remain a loyal REM fan AND Minus 5, Tuatara, Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus 3 etc!

Thank You for over 25 years of my favorite music.

MLK, Brooklyn, NY

Mary Lou Kylis, Brooklyn, NY

Stipe rocks and rules, he's a great inspiration and a genuine talent,..as is Berry, Buck and Mills. Thanks guys, for all the great music and making my life more pleasant when things aren't so pleasant.

Stan Taylor, Clarksville, Tennessee

Oh, but Mr. Horton, have you ever seen him live? He may be all you say but he's just amazing on stage and deserves to be as pretentious as he likes!

Jackie Curbishley, Malaga,, Spain

Been there, done that? Yeah, right Michael. Long live The Minus Five. And Robyn Hitchcock & the Venus 3 for that matter. The new REM elpee had better rock, or it's over, gentlemen. London or bust?

NBDYUNO, ATHENSANDOVER, THE U. M.F'kn. S. A.

Mr Stipe is a truly great man whom along with other members of R.E.M. and their backroom staff do an awful lot for causes around the world. Always been true to themselves and made terrific music. Long may they continue.

Rob, UK,

I just wish he's give up smoking - then he's be the really 'okay' guy.

Wendy, wherever, who cares

He's right: he IS a "pretentious f***" -- even by the standards of rock stars, an awesomely self-obsessed, tediously self-righteous human being, who routinely ascribes any criticism to jealousy or pretty mean-spiritedness, and is capable of sucking the air from any social gaathering. And I speak as an R.E.M. fan (albeit one who believes that, after Monster, and the departure of Bill Berry, they should have broken up, as they always said they would if one member left), and as someone who has met him in person. Much to my sorrow, incidentally, since his/their music meant a lot to me, once.

But the image, here, of Stipe sauntering through Downtown "checking his Blackberry", while trying to preserve his hipster cool ("taking his cue from wildlife" ... whoa, craaazy!), pretty much encapsulates everything that's gone wrong with an allegedy once-sweet, formerly shy and, for a time, freakishly talented boy from Athens, GA.

Robert Horton, London,

Thanks for this article. I have a lot of respect for Michael Stipe as a songwriter, singer, performer, activist, and especially for always being the unique individual that he is. Much respect!! I'm inspired by him in many ways. It's touching to know that he cares about people and that it's REAL and not just for publicity! He's always in the public and he uses this advantage to speak out and raise awareness about a lot of ongoing issues of concern here in the U.S. and around the world. I admit that over the years I've learned a lot just from keeping up with some of the projects he's been involved with or the ones he's supported for a long time. His fire has never gone out!!! Also, I truly appreciate R.E.M. for their excellent example of musicianship! Their music is always in a class by itself and it means a lot to me and their millions of fans all over the world. They've given us all such a brilliant and diverse selection of music throughout the years! ((( LONG LIVE R.E.M. )))

Bunnia, Durham, NC

I'm touched he mentioned River, I'm sure he misses his friend. Many of us do.

Lex, Bucharest,