REM Split Up: Through The Years In Photos

REM's decision to announce their split rocked the music world on Wednesday (September 21).

After 31 years and 15 albums, including the classic 'Automatic To The People, the band said they were separating to save their legacy.

 "As lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band," the band said. "We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished."

So Gigwise thought it was time to pay tribute to REM and discover just how they became as big as they did.

What are your memories of REM? Were you a fan? Post your thoughts in the comment form below.