'People pay attention to what you say or do': Michael Stipe enjoys fame REM frontman Michael Stipe has revealed that he considers fame to be "fascinating". 14 March 2026 Michael Stipe finds fame "fascinating". Michael Stipe is happy with his level of fame The REM frontman has revealed that he enjoys the "ridiculous" fact that he has a degree of influence in the public consciousness thanks to his work with the Losing My Religion band. In an interview with The Sunday Times newspaper, Michael said: "I love fame. "It wasn't always easy, but, yes, it's really fun. Of course it is fun.