Main members
Bill Berry – drums, percussion, backing vocals, occasional bass guitar and keyboards (1980–1997; occasional concert appearances with the band 2003–2007)
Peter Buck – lead guitar, mandolin, banjo, occasional bass guitar and keyboards (1980–2011)
Mike Mills – bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, occasional co-lead vocals and guitar (1980–2011)
Michael Stipe – lead vocals (1980–2011)
Non-musical members
Several publications made by the band such as album liner notes and fan club mailers list attorney Bertis Downs and manager Jefferson Holt as honorary non-musical members; the two joined up with R.E.M. in 1980/1981 and Holt left in 1996.

Touring and session musicians
Buren Fowler – rhythm guitar (1986–1987; died 2014)
Peter Holsapple – rhythm guitar, keyboards (1989–1991)
Scott McCaughey – rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, occasional lead guitar (1994–2011)
Nathan December – rhythm and lead guitar (1994–1995)
Joey Waronker – drums, percussion (1998–2002)
Barrett Martin – percussion (1998)
Ken Stringfellow – keyboards, occasional rhythm guitar, bass guitar, backing vocals (1998–2005)
Bill Rieflin – drums, percussion, occasional keyboards and guitar (2003–2011; died 2020)
Main members
Bill Berry – drums, percussion, backing vocals, occasional bass guitar and keyboards (1980–1997; occasional concert appearances with the band 2003–2007)
Peter Buck – lead guitar, mandolin, banjo, occasional bass guitar and keyboards (1980–2011)
Mike Mills – bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, occasional co-lead vocals and guitar (1980–2011)
Michael Stipe – lead vocals (1980–2011)
Non-musical members
Several publications made by the band such as album liner notes and fan club mailers list attorney Bertis Downs and manager Jefferson Holt as honorary non-musical members; the two joined up with R.E.M. in 1980/1981 and Holt left in 1996.
Touring and session musicians
Buren Fowler – rhythm guitar (1986–1987; died 2014)
Peter Holsapple – rhythm guitar, keyboards (1989–1991)
Scott McCaughey – rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, occasional lead guitar (1994–2011)
Nathan December – rhythm and lead guitar (1994–1995)
Joey Waronker – drums, percussion (1998–2002)
Barrett Martin – percussion (1998)
Ken Stringfellow – keyboards, occasional rhythm guitar, bass guitar, backing vocals (1998–2005)
Bill Rieflin – drums, percussion, occasional keyboards and guitar (2003–2011; died 2020)
R.E.M.