R.E.M. plans world tour in 2003

ATHENS - R.E.M. will hit the road in 2003, according to lead singer Michael Stipe and his bandmates. <br> <br> The Athens-based group plans to launch its first world tour after a four-year hiatus. So far, dates have been set for Europe, with the initial show planned June 27 at England&#39;s Glastonbury Festival, the Athens Banner-Herald reported Friday. <br> <br> ``We have been locked up in the studio and we&#39;re anxious to see the outside again,&#39;&#39; Stipe says in a statement posted on the group&#39;s Web site. <br> <br> The tour will follow the release of their next album, which members are currently working on. Earlier this week, R.E.M. announced their plans, adding that concert dates for a North American tour will come out early next year. <br> <br> A greatest hits CD also will be released next year, R.E.M. manager Bertis Downs said. <br> <br> ``This is the first real tour since &#39;99,&#39;&#39; Downs said. The band did a smaller promotional tour in 2001 with the release of its album ``Reveal.&#39;&#39; The release of R.E.M.&#39;s first album, ``Murmur,&#39;&#39; was in 1983. <br> <br> ``My kids have been asking me for the past couple of years, &#39;When do we get to go back on the tour bus?&#39;&#39;&#39; guitarist Peter Buck said. <br> <br> Bassist Mike Mills added, ``I have missed being on the road and can&#39;t wait to hit it again.&#39;&#39;