R.E.M.
R.E.M. was a band formed in Athens, Georgia in 1980 by Michael Stype (lead singer) Peter Buck (lead guitarist), Mike Mills (bassist and back vocalist) and Bill Berry (drums).
They built their reputation over the next few years through “Murmur”, their debut album,subsequent releases, constant touring, and the support of college radio, and in 1988 they signed to Warner Bros. Records, and began to transmit political and environmental concerns.
“Out of Time” (1991) and “Automatic for the People” (1992) are their two most commercially successful albums and catapulted them to the international fame. In 1996, they re-signed with Warner Bros. for 80 million dollars the most expensive recording contract in history for that time. They sold more than 85 million records worldwide and are in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 2007. The band broke up in September 2011.
The Killers
Formed in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2001 by Brandon Flowers (lead singer, keyboards), Dave Keuning (guitar, back vocals). Mark Stoermer (bass, backing vocals) and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. (drums). Their name comes from a logo on the drums of a fictitious band in the music video of “Crystal” from the New Order.
Seen as one of the best bands of the 21st century, they have sold over 22 million album worldwide, with their four studio albums “Hot Fuss” (2004), “Sam's Town” (2006), “Day & Age” (2008) and “Battle Born” (2012), B-sides, rarities compilation,“Sawdust” (2007), a live album, “Live from the Royal Albert Hall” (2009); and a greatest hits album “Direct Hits” (2013).
Also, they have a lot of live performances in over 50 countries and on six continents.
The Strokes
Formed in New York city in 1998, consisted by Julian Casablancas (lead singer ), Nick Valensi (guitar, keyboard, back vocals), Albert Hammond, Jr. (rhythm guitar, keyboard, back vocals), Nikolai Fraiture (bass) and Fabrizio Moretti (drums).
Their debut album “Is This It” (2002) is ranked 199 in the “Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time” and it’s one of the best debuts albums ever. Thanks to this album, they were a successful band since the beginning and they even opened the Rolling Stones.
The band regrouped for a fifth album, “Comedown Machine” in 2013. The Strokes have sold over 5 million albums to date.