Stipe has blamed his current unhappiness on the terrorist attacks in London; he said that they revivied the trauma of 9/11. The band finished their world tour at Hyde Park at the weekend.
Manson meanwhile is to take time out to concentrate on art projects. According to 6Music, the singer is working on four short films based on the work of Lewis Caroll. He said: "I no longer want to make art that other people, particularly record companies, are turning into a product. I just want to make art."
Manson is also due to open his own art gallery in Los Angeles.