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Peter Buck

Peter Buck (born December 6, 1956) is an musician, songwriter, and best known as the co-founder and lead guitarist of the band . Born in and raised in , Buck met future bandmates , , and while attending the in , where they formed in 1980. His signature jangly, arpeggiated guitar style—drawing from influences like and —became a cornerstone of the band's innovative and sound, evident in early albums such as Murmur (1983) and (1984). As 's primary songwriter alongside Stipe, Buck co-penned iconic tracks like and helped propel the group from indie darlings to global superstars, with the band selling more than 85 million albums worldwide during their three-decade run. R.E.M. achieved numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007—their first year of eligibility—where they performed alongside . The band amicably disbanded in 2011 following the release of their final album , marking the end of an era that redefined music. Since then, Buck has remained active as a prolific collaborator, contributing to projects with artists like , , and , while producing records and participating in side bands such as and . In 2025, he joined the supergroup Drink the Sea alongside , , , and Lisette Garcia, releasing their debut single in May and two albums in fall 2025.

Early life

Family background

Peter Lawrence Buck was born on December 6, 1956, in . His parents were Peter Wilfred Louis Buck and Violet Gloria Loranson Buck. He had one younger brother, Kenneth Robert Buck. The family maintained a close-knit dynamic, with both parents offering strong support for their sons' interests, as evidenced by Violet Buck's creation of scrapbooks documenting Peter's early musical endeavors. Buck's father had served in the military, where he endured significant hardships, including being wounded by a . This military background led to frequent relocations during Buck's childhood, including time spent in , a working-class suburb near , and , before the family moved to , and eventually settled in when Buck was around 12 or 13 years old. These constant changes shaped Buck's adaptability, allowing him to adjust quickly to new environments without being hindered by geographical shifts, as he later reflected that such moves had little lasting impact on his personal growth. Buck's initial exposure to music occurred within the family home, where his parents' collection featured conservative easy-listening artists such as and . However, around age 10 or 11, he discovered through , igniting a passion that prompted him to start purchasing records independently and frequenting record stores, where he described himself as having "grown up." This shift marked the beginning of his deep immersion in and influences that would define his later musical style.

Education and early influences

Buck attended several high schools across and amid his family's frequent relocations, ultimately graduating from Crestwood High School in , in 1975. Following graduation, he enrolled at in , joining the fraternity while studying there, but dropped out after a few years to focus on music. Buck then moved to Athens, Georgia, where he secured a job at the Wuxtry Records store, immersing himself in a wide array of music that fueled his growing passion. In his teens, Buck taught himself guitar by playing along to records, drawing from , , and traditions without formal instruction. His style was notably shaped by the jangly arpeggios of and the angular post-punk energy of , while early explorations included elements from artists like Flatt & Scruggs. He honed his skills in local bands during this period, blending these influences into his distinctive sound.

Formation of R.E.M.

Meeting bandmates

Peter Buck first encountered in January 1980 at Wuxtry Records, a local shop in , where Buck was employed as a . The two quickly formed a friendship based on their mutual enthusiasm for , , and obscure rock records, often discussing and recommending music during Stipe's visits to the store. Later that year, through connections in 's burgeoning music scene, Buck and Stipe were introduced to Mike and drummer , who had been childhood friends from , and had relocated to in to pursue music opportunities. Mills and , already collaborating in local bands, joined the group informally without auditions, drawn by shared musical tastes and the casual energy of the college-town environment. The quartet began holding informal jam sessions in early 1980, experimenting with songs in an organic, collaborative manner that emphasized friendship over structured rehearsals, leading to their decision to formalize as a band. During these sessions, they brainstormed potential names, rejecting ideas like "Cans of Piss," "Negro Eyes," and "Twisted Kites" before Stipe randomly selected "R.E.M." from a dictionary entry on rapid eye movement, appreciating its enigmatic quality.

Early band development

Following their initial meeting, R.E.M. held their first rehearsal on April 4, 1980, at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in , a venue tied to the local music scene that served as a practice space before the band's debut performance the next day. On April 5, 1980, the band—still unnamed at the time—made their live debut at a birthday party for local artist Kathleen O'Brien, held at the same church, opening for fellow act the Side Effects with a set of covers and originals that showcased their raw, emerging energy. This performance marked the start of R.E.M.'s grassroots buildup in the underground, where they honed their material through frequent local gigs at venues like . By early 1982, after building buzz through independent singles like "Radio Free Europe" and relentless regional shows, signed a five-album deal with on May 31, 1982, a pivotal move that provided professional recording support while preserving their indie ethos. Their debut release on the label, the five-track EP , arrived on August 24, 1982, capturing the band's urgent, atmospheric sound in sessions produced by at Drive-In Studio; it quickly gained traction among tastemakers for its cryptic lyrics and driving rhythms. This was followed by their first full-length album, Murmur, released on April 12, 1983, which expanded on the EP's blueprint with polished yet enigmatic tracks, earning immediate critical praise and solidifying the band's reputation as innovators in . Central to R.E.M.'s evolving sound during these years was the aesthetic, characterized by bright, arpeggiated guitar lines that evoked influences like while infusing edge; guitarist Peter Buck's use of models, such as the 330, became emblematic of this style, providing the shimmering, melodic foundation that distinguished their music from harsher contemporaries. Buck's technique—often employing open chords and —helped craft a signature texture that propelled songs like those on Chronic Town and Murmur, blending accessibility with mystery to appeal to niche audiences. R.E.M. supported these releases with extensive early tours, primarily traversing the U.S. college circuit from 1980 onward, playing small venues and campuses that fostered a dedicated among students and alternative radio listeners; by the end of , Murmur had sold approximately 200,000 copies through word-of-mouth and airplay on stations like KROQ, establishing the band as a cornerstone of the emerging movement without mainstream crossover. These grassroots efforts, including van tours across the Southeast and Midwest, built loyalty that propelled R.E.M. from local Athens heroes to national underground staples by the mid-1980s.

Career with R.E.M.

Role and contributions

Peter Buck was the lead guitarist and a founding member of , where he played a pivotal role in defining the band's sound through his rhythmic, melodic approach to the instrument. His style emphasized arpeggiated patterns and clean tones, often using a guitar to create the signature "" that became synonymous with the group's early work. This technique drew inspiration from 1960s folk-rock pioneers like , blending intricate fingerpicking with a bright, resonant quality that supported Michael Stipe's vocals without overpowering them. Beyond , Buck expanded R.E.M.'s sonic palette by incorporating acoustic instruments such as the and . He famously composed the opening for "Losing My Religion" on , an idea born from practicing the instrument at home and recording his initial attempts, which the band then adapted into the song's core structure. Buck also played on tracks like "Wendell Gee," adding a folksy texture that highlighted his versatility in supporting the band's evolving arrangements. As a co-songwriter, Buck contributed to nearly all of R.E.M.'s original material, with credits typically shared among the four band members—Berry, Buck, Mills, and Stipe—for compositions until Berry's departure in 1997, and among Buck, Mills, and Stipe thereafter. He frequently initiated songs by developing guitar riffs and chord progressions, providing foundational elements that Mills and Stipe would build upon with bass lines and lyrics. Buck's input extended beyond music to creative and operational aspects of the band, including contributions to album artwork concepts, curation of tour setlists—as evidenced by his handwritten notes for performances—and key business choices, such as the 1988 switch from I.R.S. Records to Warner Bros., which granted R.E.M. greater artistic control through their own imprint.

Key albums and tours

R.E.M.'s debut studio album, Murmur (1983), marked a pivotal moment in the band's career, earning widespread critical acclaim for its jangly guitar work and atmospheric sound, with Peter Buck's contributions on guitar helping define the album's innovative alternative rock style. The 1987 release of Document brought R.E.M. their first top-40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with "The One I Love," peaking at No. 9, and showcased Buck's evolving guitar riffs that bridged the band's indie roots with broader appeal. Out of Time (1991) propelled R.E.M. to mainstream success, selling over 18 million copies worldwide, largely driven by the mandolin-driven hit "Losing My Religion," which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, while Buck's subtle guitar layers added to the album's eclectic texture. Following this, Automatic for the People (1992) delivered introspective ballads and orchestral arrangements, achieving multi-platinum status and featuring Buck's acoustic and electric guitar work that complemented the album's emotional depth, as he later reflected on its unexpected commercial impact. In the mid-1990s, (1994) represented a deliberate shift to a guitar-heavy sound, emphasizing loud, distorted riffs from Buck to recapture the band's rock after more subdued releases, though it faced production challenges. After drummer Bill Berry's departure in 1997, R.E.M. adapted with Up (1998), an experimental album incorporating electronic elements and lush production, where Buck's guitar provided continuity amid the lineup change. The band's fourteenth studio album, (2008), signaled a return to concise, rock-oriented with Buck's punchy guitar tracks like " Superserious," revitalizing their live . The band's fifteenth and final studio album, (2011), featured Buck's prominent guitar work alongside guest appearances from artists such as and was recorded as the group decided to disband, closing their three-decade recording career. R.E.M.'s Green World Tour in 1989 supported the album, marking their first arena tour and featuring expanded arrangements that highlighted Buck's onstage guitar solos across 131 shows worldwide. The Monster Tour of 1995 was marred by health issues, including Michael Stipe's hospitalization for exhaustion and Bill Berry's brain aneurysm during a performance, forcing cancellations and underscoring the physical toll on , including Buck. Their final tour in 2008, promoting Accelerate, consisted of 77 dates and captured at a high point before retirement, with Buck noting the joy of returning to rock roots live. announced their disbandment on September 21, 2011, after 31 years, with Peter Buck later reflecting that by the end, he had grown to hate the business's pressures, though the split was amicable and allowed them to preserve their legacy on positive terms.

Post-R.E.M. activities

Collaborations and side projects

Following the disbandment of R.E.M. in 2011, Peter Buck expanded his musical collaborations, drawing on his extensive network in the indie and scenes. In 2007, Buck co-founded , a supergroup with of the Young Fresh Fellows and of , later joined by R.E.M. bandmate and drummer . The band specializes in baseball-themed rock songs, releasing their debut album Volume 1: Frozen Ropes and Dying Quails in 2008 and follow-up Volume 2: High and Inside in 2011 on . Buck co-founded the in 1996 alongside of , Harwood of , and saxophonist . The group blended , ambient, and global influences across several albums, remaining active into the 2010s with releases such as The Here and the Gone (2008) on Fast Horse Recordings, Underworld (2014), and Shamanic Nights: Live in the City (2016) on Sunyata Records. In collaboration with singer-songwriter , Buck formed the duo Arthur Buck, releasing their self-titled debut album on June 15, 2018, via . The project reunited in 2025 for Arthur Buck 2, issued October 3 on Lonely Astronaut Records, with the lead single "Fall in Love with Me" debuting in August. Buck has long contributed to , the pop-rock outfit led by , participating in recordings since the band's 1990s formation. The group released their latest album, Oar on Penelope, on May 30, 2025, on , featuring the single "Words & Birds." As a member of the indie folk supergroup Tired Pony, formed by Snow Patrol frontman and Iain Archer, Buck contributed guitar to the debut The Place We Ran From in 2010 and sophomore effort The Ghost of the Mountain in 2013, both on /Polydor. In 2025, Buck joined forces with , of Eleven, , and vocalist Lisette Garcia to form the supergroup Drink The Sea, announcing a debut with releases in September and October via Echo Base. The project, blending rock and world elements, released its albums and began its first tour dates in late 2025, including shows. Beyond performing, Buck has taken production roles for select artists, including Uncle Tupelo's live-in-studio album March 16–20, 1992, recorded at John Keane's Athens studio and released on Rockville Records. He co-produced Alejandro Escovedo's Burn Something Beautiful in 2016 with McCaughey for Fantasy Records, enlisting a backing band featuring Kurt Bloch and John Moen. Buck also provided guitar and production input on Victoria Williams' 1994 album Loose, arranged by Paul Fox on Atlantic Records.

Solo recordings and production

Buck's debut solo album, the self-titled Peter Buck, was released in October 2012 exclusively on through Mississippi Records, a Portland-based label specializing in and reissues. The album features collaborative recordings with a loose collective of friends, including R.E.M. bandmate on bass and vocals, as well as contributions from of and of . It blends original instrumentals with covers, drawing from , , , and psychedelic influences, resulting in a raw, eclectic collection limited to 500 copies initially. His second solo effort, I Am Back to Blow Your Mind Once Again, arrived in February 2014, also as a vinyl-only release on the same label in a limited edition of 500 copies. This follow-up maintained the collaborative, largely instrumental approach of the debut, featuring musicians such as on guitar and on drums, with Buck handling most vocals and guitar parts. The album refines the prior work's experimental edge, incorporating humorous, lo-fi and rock elements for a more cohesive and playful sound. Beyond his solo work, Buck has built a notable production discography, often emphasizing live, organic recording techniques to capture authentic band dynamics. Within R.E.M., he shared production credits on several albums, including the energetic Accelerate (2008), where he collaborated with Jacknife Lee to prioritize raw energy and minimal overdubs. Externally, Buck produced Uncle Tupelo's March 16–20, 1992 (1992), hosting the alt-country band at his home studio in Athens, Georgia, for a swift five-day session that highlighted acoustic intimacy and traditional songcraft. He also contributed to unreleased sessions with the Replacements during their Let It Be (1984) recordings, adding guitar to tracks like "I Will Dare" amid initial production discussions. For the Dream Syndicate, Buck provided liner notes for the 2004 reissue of their debut The Days of Wine and Roses (1982), reflecting his appreciation for their psychedelic roots. In recent years, Buck has been involved in projects with Joseph Arthur, including co-creating the Arthur Buck duo's albums, where his production input supports layered, narrative-driven indie rock. Post-R.E.M., formal production credits have been limited, but Buck continues contributing to 2020s releases through hands-on involvement in friend-led endeavors, favoring unpolished, ensemble-driven aesthetics.

Personal life

Marriages and family

Peter Buck has been married three times. He first married Barrie Greene, owner of the in , in 1987; the couple divorced in 1994. Greene, who later used the surname Buck, maintained ties to the Athens scene through her venue ownership. Buck's second marriage was to Stephanie Dorgan, former owner of Seattle's Crocodile Cafe, in January 1995 while toured in . The couple, who met in 1992 during 's recording sessions in , separated in 2006 and finalized their divorce in February 2007. With Dorgan, Buck has twin daughters, and , born in May 1994. In 2013, Buck married Chloe Johnson in Portland, Oregon, in a ceremony attended by his R.E.M. bandmates Michael Stipe, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry, who performed together for the occasion. The couple resides in Portland. Buck spent much of his early life and R.E.M. career based in Athens, Georgia, where the band formed. He relocated to Seattle in 1992, drawn by the city's music scene and his connection to Dorgan's venue. Following R.E.M.'s 2011 disbandment, he shifted primary residence to Portland. Outside music, Buck is an avid collector of vinyl records, amassing a personal library of approximately 10,000 albums that reflects his deep knowledge of rock, folk, and international music. He has also engaged in philanthropy supporting musicians, including through festivals benefiting Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.

Legal incidents

In 2001, Peter Buck faced significant legal scrutiny following an alleged "" incident aboard a flight from to on April 21. Upon landing at , Buck was arrested and charged with two counts of against cabin crew members, being drunk on an , causing criminal damage, and after reportedly consuming up to 15 glasses of wine, attempting to play a CD in a drinks trolley, spilling on a stewardess, and engaging in disruptive behavior. Prosecutors described his actions as those of a "drunken lout," while Buck claimed he had no memory of the events due to a combination of alcohol and the prescription sleeping pill , invoking a defense of non-insane automatism. The trial at in lasted several weeks, featuring testimony from witnesses including U2's , who described Buck as typically mild-mannered. On April 5, 2002, a acquitted Buck on all charges after deliberating for five and a half hours, accepting his account of involuntary actions induced by the medication-alcohol interaction. The case garnered extensive media coverage in outlets like and , temporarily damaging Buck's reputation as a reserved figure in the rock world and highlighting broader concerns about celebrity "" at the time. Following his arrest, Buck issued a public apology, stating, "I am very sorry for the incident and, of course, very embarrassed about the whole thing." After the acquittal, he reiterated his remorse to the affected crew members, expressing relief while emphasizing the unintended nature of the episode. The incident prompted Buck to reflect deeply on his alcohol consumption, which he later described as a long-standing issue dating back to his teenage years. In subsequent interviews, he revealed achieving around 2015, crediting the experience and personal realizations for motivating him to seek and focus on healthier priorities in his life and career. No other major legal troubles have been documented in Buck's public record.

Legacy

Musical influence

Peter Buck is widely regarded as a pioneer of the guitar style that defined early , characterized by his clean, arpeggiated riffs that emphasized melody over distortion. This approach, evident in R.E.M.'s debut album Murmur (1983), helped forge a sonic template for the genre, blending folk-rock influences with energy to create an accessible yet innovative sound. Buck's technique influenced a range of subsequent artists, including the Pixies' dynamic guitar textures, Coldplay's atmospheric indie anthems, and ' melodic hooks, establishing him as a foundational figure in the evolution of and . Buck's impact was formally acknowledged through R.E.M.'s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, where the band was celebrated for pioneering alternative rock's breakthrough to mainstream audiences. The group also secured three during his tenure, including Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Short Form Music Video for "" (1992), as well as Best Alternative Music Album for Out of Time (1992), highlighting Buck's contributions to their signature sound through guitar and arrangements. In mentorship roles and interviews, Buck has advised emerging musicians to prioritize relentless practice, collaborate with superior talents to elevate their skills, and focus on rhythmic foundations in songwriting rather than flashy solos. He often recommends a riff-driven process—starting with guitar motifs to build songs organically—while urging daily writing sessions and deep study of influential records like those by to foster growth. This philosophy underscores his belief in discipline and collective creativity as keys to lasting musical development. As an unsung architect of R.E.M.'s legacy, Buck helped propel the alternative rock explosion of the 1980s and 1990s, proving that bands from independent scenes could achieve commercial success while maintaining artistic authenticity amid the era's cultural shifts. Their model inspired generations to prioritize innovation over conformity, cementing Buck's enduring influence on the genre's trajectory.

Equipment and style

Peter Buck's guitar playing is renowned for its clean, arpeggiated style, emphasizing jangly, chime-like tones derived from open-string voicings and rhythmic picking patterns that defined R.E.M.'s alternative rock sound in the 1980s. Early in his career, Buck favored a minimalist approach with heavy-gauge strings—typically .013 to .058—to achieve resonant, acoustic-like projection without relying on effects, often using downstrokes or upstrokes exclusively for arpeggios due to his self-taught technique. He largely avoided distortion and overdrive in R.E.M.'s initial albums, prioritizing clarity and texture over aggression until the 1994 release of Monster, which marked a shift toward heavier, processed guitar sounds including tremolo, delay, and distortion for a more rock-oriented edge. Buck's primary guitars reflect his preference for vintage instruments that deliver bright, articulate tones. His signature early instrument was a 1981 Rickenbacker 360/12 in Jetglo finish, acquired shortly before R.E.M.'s debut and prominently featured on the 1983 album Murmur for its iconic 12-string jangle. He also regularly employed a Gibson Les Paul for warmer leads, a Fender Telecaster—including a custom black model—for rhythmic work, and a Rickenbacker 330 for louder, rock-oriented passages. In the 1990s, Buck incorporated mandolin, notably a Flatiron Performer F-Style, to create the distinctive plucking patterns on hits like "Losing My Religion" from Out of Time (1991). For amplification and effects, Buck has long favored the combo amp, valuing its straightforward, chimey response when cranked for natural overdrive, often paired with Twins in early recordings for added headroom. His pedal use remains minimal and vintage-oriented, limited to occasional (such as an Small Clone) for subtle shimmer and compression for sustain, eschewing complex racks in favor of simple, reliable setups that preserve the guitar's inherent tone. Later, he adopted the distortion pedal to access grit without altering his core clean aesthetic. Buck's gear evolved in the toward heavier textures, incorporating more layered distortions and amps like the Tremoverb alongside his Vox AC30s for albums such as Accelerate (2008), reflecting R.E.M.'s maturing rock influences. He has pursued custom modifications, including personalized finishes and pickups on his Telecasters and , and maintains long-term associations with brands like —endorsing their 360 series—and for select projects. This progression underscores his commitment to vintage-inspired reliability while adapting to broader sonic palettes.

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