R.E.M. members Michael Stipe, Mike Mills and Peter Buck still maintain residences in Athens. Merchant met Michael Stipe of the band R.E.M. in 1983. "Meds" with Alison Mosshart of The Kills and "Broken Promise" with R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe. Mycelium at the base of the stipe is white or stained blue. Growth occurs with lengthening of the stipe (central stalk), and splitting of the blades. Growth occurs at the base of the meristem, where the blades and stipe meet. All songs written by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Michael Stipe. All tracks written by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe. All tracks written by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Michael Stipe. All songs written by Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Michael Stipe. All songs written by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe. The song was chosen by REM singer Michael Stipe. The mushroom's stipe is often absent. Both Stipe and Amos decided not to release it. They are very hairy at the base of the stipe (trunk).