The group, who hail from Athens, Georgia, played in the UK before a small studio audience at the BBC's Broadcasting House, in central London.

Those listening were supplemented by a BBC Radio 1 audience as the concert was broadcast live by the network.

BBC Radio 1 is one of the most popular networks in the UK with a brief to play 'new' music.

It pitches itself at at those aged from their teens to their mid-20s.

This landmark UK show was a first in several ways, not least because REM will performed for the first time as a trio, after the departure of drummer Bill Berry.

Following life-saving neurosurgery, he decided to leave the band.

In commerical terms, the band are more or less unmatched.

Michael Stipe, singer and enigmatic frontman for the band

They have sold more than 35 million albums and released them at a steady rate averaging one every 18 months.

Now comes their latest offering, Up.

Work on the songs had already begun when Mr Berry left.

When the band last embarked on a major tour, in 1995, they were beset by problems.

Mr Berry was rushed offstage suffering from an aneurysm.

Dates were postponed and when the band resumed, bass player Mike Mills had to be hospitalised for an abdominal operation.

Within weeks singer Michael Stipe needed treatment for a hernia.

It was the prospect of touring with a new album which prompted Berry to quit a year ago.

But this time round the band decided to embark on a set of dates which would allow maximum exposure, giving radio and television performances in cities such as Hamburg and Vienna.

The group is also recording a show for the BBC's Later with Jools Holland series while in the UK.

Running order

REM played material from their new album Up as well as a selection of their well-known songs.

The group formed in 1980 and despite picking up a large underground following and critical acclaim did not hit mainstream chart success until the release of their Green album in 1988.

Since then worldwide recognition has come with hits such as Losing My Religion, Shiny Happy People, Drive and Everybody Hurts.