December 1 [16:30 EDT] -- Ever since MTV News reported that drummer Bill Berry was departing R.E.M., there has been much speculation about who will take his place.

Though there is no offical replacement named, Screaming Trees drummer, Barrett Martin, will be guesting on the next record in a San Fransisco studio when R.E.M. follows up "New Adventures In Hi-Fi" this February.

Martin plays in the band Tuatara with R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck. Also guesting on the new album will be guitarist Scott McCaughey, who plays with Buck in the band minus 5.