What is Bill Berry's Net Worth?
Bill Berry, a retired American musician, boasts a net worth of $40 million. Born in Duluth, Minnesota in July 1958, Berry is widely recognized as the drummer for the iconic band R.E.M.
Early Life and Career
During high school, Berry met bass player Mike Mills. The duo played in various bands together before relocating to Athens, Georgia, where they connected with Michael Stipe and Peter Buck in 1978.
The Formation of R.E.M.
Berry briefly attended the University of Georgia before deciding to drop out. In 1980, he and his newfound friends formed R.E.M. Berry contributed not only as a drummer but also played guitar, bass, keyboards, piano, and mandolin, while providing backing vocals. He was instrumental in writing some of the band's biggest hits, such as "Everybody Hurts" and "Man on the Moon".
Success and Achievements
R.E.M. released 15 studio albums and sold over 85 million records globally. Their success includes two albums that reached #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and three albums certified 4x Platinum. Some of their memorable hits include:
- "The One I Love"
- "Orange Crush"
- "Stand"
- "Losing My Religion"
- "Drive"
- "Man on the Moon"
- "Everybody Hurts"
- "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?"
- "The Great Beyond"
The band ultimately disbanded in 2011, but not before being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
Challenges and Later Life
In 1984, Berry also played drums for Hindu Love Gods. Unfortunately, during a performance with R.E.M. in Switzerland, he collapsed from a ruptured brain aneurysm. Though he recovered, Berry left the band in 1997 to become a farmer in Georgia. He has participated in several brief reunions with R.E.M. over the years.
