R.E.M. not worried about losing fans

R.E.M. don't worry about losing fans.

The 'Losing My Religion' hitmakers want to test themselves creatively with each record they make, but know not all of their supporters will enjoy every one of their albums.

Guitarist Peter Buck told The Sun: "The past is there and those records mean a lot to people. But this is as good as anything we've done. The question is, can it mean as much to people as our first or third record does?

"When you set the bar as high as we did, it's tough for people to consider that you've matched it.

"As creative people, you can't do the same thing over and over and as we try different things I don't expect every fan to come with us for every ride."

The band - also comprising frontman Michael Stipe and bassist Mike Mills -had their fair share of disagreements while making their latest album 'Collapse Into Now', but the 'Everybody Hurts' stars insist rows are healthy.

Mike said: "I think it's healthy to not always agree on every single thing. We've dealt with that for many years."