I was in one of the biggest bands of the 90s – but I quit fame after onstage collapse and now I’m a farmer

AMERICAN rock band R.E.M. first formed in 1980 and went onto sell more than 90 million records worldwide.

The award winning group from Georgia amicably split up in 2011 as the individual members decided to pursue solo projects.

Drummer Bill Berry retired from performing after he collapsed on stage during a performance in SwitzerlandCredit: Getty

Bill was one of the standout members of R.E.M. alongside Michael Stipe, Mike Mills and Peter BuckCredit: Getty

Over the years the group achieved huge success, winning three Grammy Awards and 12 additional nominations.

They’ve also won twelve VMA’s, three BRIT Awards and two Billboard Music Awards.

However one member in particular was notable for the way he left the band and the direction he chose to go next.

65-year-old Bill Berry was one of the founding members in 1980 and was widely known as the band’s drummer.

He also played other instruments which included the guitar, bass guitar and piano and he was also credited as a songwriter on R.E.M. albums

At the height of the group’s success tragedy struck as he was rushed to hospital.

In 1995, the musician suffered a ruptured cerebral aneurysm whilst performing on stage and he subsequently collapsed.

He made a full recovery after the incident at the Patinoire Auditorium in Lausanne, Switzerland.

However, two years later he chose to leave the music industry for a more modest life.

At the time, he explained that he no longer had the drive or the enjoyment levels he used to and he also decided he didn’t want to travel.

He told VH-1’s Behind the Music: “I didn’t wake up one day and decide, ‘I just can’t stand these guys anymore”‘or anything.

“I feel like I’m ready for a life change. I’m still young enough that I can do something else.”

Bill added: “I’ve been pounding the tubs since I was nine years old … I’m ready to do something else.”

He since decided to maintain a low profile, making only sporadic returns to the group as he chose instead to become a farmer.

The recording artist is the only member not to remain with the group for their entire run, although he chose to return to the industry.

The group achieved mainstream success in the 90's winning dozens of industry awards — The group achieved mainstream success in the 90’s winning dozens of industry awardsCredit: Getty

Bill left the band - except for a few sporadic appearances - two years after the health scare as he lost the desire to travel — Bill left the band – except for a few sporadic appearances – two years after the health scare as he lost the desire to travelCredit: Getty – Contributor

He returned to the industry in 2022 following a period where he maintained a low profileCredit: Getty

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