Bill Berry Rejoins R.E.M. For X-Mas Single

R.E.M.'s Christmas single is an annual tradition for the band's fans. But this year, they found something extra in their stockings: original drummer Bill Berry has returned to the fold, if only temporarily.

Berry and bassist Mike Mills recorded "Crazy Like A Fox," a classic Lenny Kaye number, for the single.

Singer Michael Stipe and guitarist Peter Buck are nowhere to be found on the track, with Mills playing guitar and bass and Berry handling percussion duties. Both members contribute vocals.

The single also includes a cover of "Santa Baby," played by Mills alone.

Berry left the band 12 years ago, although he hasn't made himself a complete stranger to the band.

He's played with R.E.M. sporadically over the years — he joined his Monster bandmates to play at a long-time roadie's wedding, made an appearance at a concert in Raleigh in 2003 and he again played with the band when they were inducted into the Georgia Music Hall Of Fame and Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

Still, it's only the second time he's recorded with the band since he retired in 1997. He contributed to R.E.M.'s cover of John Lennon's "#9 Dream," which appeared on Amnesty International's Instant Karma compilation in 2007.

Berry drummed on some of R.E.M.'s most revered work, including Murmur, Automatic For The People and Green.