The announcement went out on Twitter at 1:16 p.m. ET.

"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"

Those touched by it reacted immediately, almost as if they were losing their religion.

Others seemed less concerned about the band's demise. It was almost as if the news made them shinier, happier people.

The band formed in 1980 (31 years ago), with lead singer Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry.

It released its first album, Chronic Town, in 1982. But it was in 1987, with Green, featuring the hit songs Stand and Orange Crush, that R.E.M. began to gain popularity.

Anybody else remember the pride of having mastered the fast-paced lyrics of It's the End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)?