Written by: Alex Green

R.E.M. threw two unexpected curveballs this week.

First, the band’s original lineup appeared on CBS This Morning for an extensive interview with Anthony Mason.

Michael Stipe, Mike Mills, Peter Buck and Bill Berry sat down with Mason to discuss their induction into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame.

The intimate chat was the first time the original four members have appeared together since their 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.

Naturally, the subject of a reunion came up and the legendary Athens outfit gently shot down the idea of playing together again.

“It would be never be as good,” Buck quipped.

Mills, on the other hand, was far more specific, saying it would take a comet for the band to reunite.

Let’s get to curveball number two.

To commemorate their Songwriters Hall of Fame induction, the original lineup of R.E.M. surprised everyone by taking the stage at the Marriot Marquis Hotel in New York City Thursday evening (6/13) to play “Losing My Religion.”

It also appears they only played one track, but that has yet to be confirmed.

Story developing.