Songs are created by artists for many different reasons, but even if they have a hit song, it doesn't mean they like it, or will want to play it live. From the Beastie Boys, Metallica, and Heart, some of the biggest bands ever have all decided not to perform certain tracks live. In some cases, there are songs that are lucky to even be included on a band's album. Ronnie James Dio literally almost destroyed one of Dio's biggest tunes, and Slash was not originally on board with Guns N' Roses' biggest hit.

Whatever the case, it can be very hard to change an artist's opinion once they have made up their mind on a track. It can be even harder when they are a band like R.E.M., who only come together on special occasions, and if they do, it's to play a song or two, usually "Losing My Religion," and most recently, "Pure Persuasion". Therefore, getting them to play anything else is almost impossible, but even when they were touring the world, there has always been one song missing from their setlist, no matter how many people enjoyed the music video.

R.E.M. Basically Never Played "Shiny Happy People" Live

This Song Was Left In 1991

Heading into the 1990s, R.E.M. looked to build on the momentum they had since the start of their career in 1980. In 1991, they released their seventh studio album, Out of Time, which featured hits such as "Losing My Religion" and "Shiny Happy People." Although both of these tracks have helped this album reach 4x platinum certification in the United States, only one of them has made it onto an R.E.M. setlist since 1991.

In 1991, they released their seventh studio album, Out of Time, which featured hits such as "Losing My Religion" and "Shiny Happy People."

When the record was released, R.E.M. performed "Shiny Happy People" twice. One of the performances was on Saturday Night Live, and the other was at a show in Spain. Since then, the song has been absent from every R.E.M. show, including the few times they have recently come together to perform a song or two. On the other hand, "Losing My Religion" has been played by the band over 500 times. Although over 375 million fans on Spotify have chosen to listen to the track, it is clear that R.E.M. has strong feelings against it.

Why R.E.M. Look Down On "Shiny Happy People"

This Is A Bubblegum Song

To many fans' surprise, lead singer Michael Stipe has found himself embarrassed about the hit becoming as big as it did. When asked in an interview with The Quietus, Stipe elaborated on his issues with the track, stating that the song was "fruity" and a "bubblegum pop song." Although, that is the point of the song, he clarified. Helping deliver on the vision of "Shiny Happy People" was the very vibrant music video that accompanied it. There was even a version the band recorded with Sesame Street, to further emphasize the less serious nature of the tune.

Stipe was happy that the song showed his funnier side, veering away from more serious tracks. Ultimately, it fits in with what Stipe calls R.E.M.'s "fruitloop song." The others in this category would be "Stand," "Pop Song 89," and "Get Up." Since the band finds the song more laughable than anything else, it makes sense why it wouldn't make the setlist. A funny song like this may detract from the vibe the band is trying to create. The good news is that the band has a catalog of music that spans 15 albums if they ever choose to do reunion shows in the future.

No matter what, R.E.M. will be ed as one of the greatest bands of their generation, having put out a ton of hits. Of course, "Shiny Happy People" will always be at the top of that list, as the song has now ed 87 million views on YouTube. It may have been just a funny song to R.E.M., but to their fans, it means so much more, and whether the band ever plays it live or not, at least it exists and makes people happy.