NEW : 1980 of work ` ` was a hell of a journey . '' `` Working through our music and memories from over three decades was a hell of a journey . Michael Stipe says on website . NEW : Mills members `` walk away as great friends , '' says Peter Buck . NEW : ` ` We built something extraordinary together , '' Peter Buck says . Group formed in Athens , Athens , in Three decades ; first hit single was in 1987 .
NEW : 1980 of work `` was a hell of a journey . '' Michael Stipe says on website . NEW : Mills members `` walk away as great friends , '' says Peter Buck . NEW : `` We built something extraordinary together , '' Peter Buck says . Group formed in Athens , Athens , in Three decades ; first hit single was in 1987 .