R.E.M Man Talks Sexuality

Although the star described himself as a queer artist in an interview with Time magazine in 2001 he has recently spoken about his sexuality and explained why he thinks that its important to open up.

Stipe told Spin magazine of the restrictions he had earlier on in his career: It was super complicated for me in the '80s. I was totally open with the band and my family and my friends.

However, now Michael believes that its important for celebrities to be more open about their preferences as it may help someone who's struggling coming to terms with their feelings: "

Now I recognise that for public figures to be very open about their sexuality helps some kid somewhere," he said.

R.E.M are set to release Accelerate their fourteenth studio album in Europe on March 31st 2008 .