In the U.S., R.E.M. came to attention in the early ‘80’s and developed a fanbase around the band’s relentless touring schedule and college radio airplay – a uniquely American network of local radio stations playing “alternative” music. The band’s emergence in Europe also stemmed around their live forays in England, France, the Netherlands and Germany starting in ’83. From this time, the BBC embraced the band – not only with airplay, but also with interviews, TV appearances and in-studio sessions