Legendary rock band R.E.M. have called it quits after 31 years of influential music-making. The Athens, GA band announced today that they are tossing in the towel via an announcement on their website. Said announcement read:

“To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band. We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished. To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening.” R.E.M.

So after years of iconic rock that survived through (and redefined) such labels as “alt rock” and “college rock”, the band is hanging up the cleats. Congratulations and thank you, R.E.M.