The end of the world: R.E.M. calling it quits

One of the greatest rock groups of all-time has fallen. R.E.M. is now a thing of the past. Michael Stipe, the lead singer, offers a statement of comfort to his fans. "A wise man once said -- `the skill in attending a party is knowing when it's time to leave.' We built something extraordinary together. We did this thing. And now we're going to walk away from it." What a very mature thing to say. All good things must come to an end.
However, one can't help but feel a little sentimental in remembering all their hits, not that I was around to do so or anything, but they are simply too fantastic to not listen to. YouTube is a wonderful resource for the modern musician. As we speak, I'm listening to Layla performed live by Clapton and Wynton Marsalis, probably something that will never be performed again. Unbelievable what it can do. But back to the subject. The band that put a Man on the Moon is done for. But again, is this a bad thing? I can't wait to see their next projects and what comes of them individually.
A quick word on the author of the piece, she must have loved REM. She absolutely raved about them the entire time and got all emotional with us about how they are never making any more music together and all that bubbly crap. She must have grown up with them, and now that they're gone, she is trying to make the reader love REM as much as she did.