Veteran indie rock troupe R.E.M. have announced that they're to split. In a brief statement the band, who formed in Athens, Georgia in 1980 gave no reason for their demise, but thanks their fans. The message runs thus: "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.