Band : Three years of work ` ` was a hell of a journey . '' Michael Stipe says on website . NEW : Band members ` We did this thing . ` us away as great friends , '' says Peter Buck . NEW : ` ` We built something extraordinary together , '' Mike Mills says . Group formed in Athens , Georgia , in 1980 ; first hit single was in Nashville .
Band : Three years of work ` ` was a hell of a journey . '' Michael Stipe says on website . NEW : Band members ` ` us away as great friends , '' says Peter Buck . NEW : ` ` We built something extraordinary together , '' Mike Mills says . Group formed in Athens , Georgia , in 1980 ; first hit single was in Nashville .