REM have announced plans to release a greatest hits compilation following their split earlier this week (September 21).

The band, fronted by Michael Stipe, decided to call it a day after 15 albums, telling fans that they would “walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished”.

It was reported that REM were putting the finishing to 'Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage: 1982 – 2011' before they split.

According to Amazon.com the compilation will include tracks recorded for recent album 'Collapse Into Now'.

No release date has been announced for the greatest hits compilation.

REM released 15 albums including the classic 'Automatic For the People'.

REM - Through The Years