R.E.M.

B-sides collection arrived just as band leaped to major leagues.

Pair performed in legendary band's hometown of Athens, Ga.

Biker gang lent a hand when his favorite instrument was stolen from the stage in 2008.

Pearl Jam frontman stepped in after Kings of Leon pulled out of festival.

"We needed to not drive it into mundaneness, and that's where it was going to go."

Unlike other bands that split with great fanfare, they haven't reunited.

Expanded reissue will include B-sides, rarities and live recordings.

They scored plenty of hits over their three-decade career, but there are also many great tracks buried deep in the albums.

Band will also reissue a 7" version of original debut single, “Radio Free Europe."

R.E.M. singer describes “most powerful feeling” of his life when they started to play hit single.