R.E.M. Will Release 25th Anniversary Edition of Reveal
The band's upcoming reissue includes a previously unreleased 17-song live set recorded in Paris in 2001.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in R&B
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R.E.M. has announced a 25th anniversary edition of their studio album Reveal, scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. This package features the original 12-track album alongside a live performance recording titled The Black Sessions Revealed.
Why it matters
The reissue provides fans with high-fidelity archival content, including a 17-song performance originally recorded for Radio France in 2001. This release serves to commemorate the milestone anniversary of an album that previously reached the top of the U.K. charts.
The original studio release of Reveal achieved a No. 1 peak on U.K. charts and reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200. This anniversary edition includes a two-CD and Blu-ray set featuring original music videos and 5.1 surround sound mixes.
The players
R.E.M.
An influential American rock band that gained international fame before disbanding in 2011.
Craft Recordings
The record label managing the reissue and distribution of this anniversary collection.
The details
The upcoming collection features a 32-page hardcover book and a live set titled The Black Sessions Revealed, which was recorded on May 7, 2001, in Paris. Additionally, the band will offer a standalone two-LP vinyl release for the live performance component.
Timeline
May 7, 2001: The Black Sessions performance was recorded in Paris.
May 2001: Original release of the studio album Reveal.
November 20, 2026: Official release date for the Reveal 25th Anniversary Edition.
Industry Dynamics
This release follows the trend of heritage acts mining their archives to provide high-value, physical collector sets for dedicated fanbases. It capitalizes on the continued demand for high-resolution audio formats and vinyl in an era dominated by streaming.
Fans can secure the expanded collection starting November 20, 2026, via major music retailers. The inclusion of Blu-ray high-resolution audio requires compatible hardware to fully experience the surround sound mixes.
The takeaway
Collectors should note that the live recordings are being released in both a multi-disc box set and a standalone vinyl format. This gives listeners the choice between an all-encompassing physical package or a dedicated vinyl record for their collection.
Further reading
Discover more about the genre and industry updates at R&B.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SPIN.
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