Michael Stipe, the lead vocalist for the alternative rock band R.E.M. has revealed he is gay.

In an interview with Spin, he says that he always thought it was obvious as he was open with his friends and family.

He says, "It was super complicated for me in the '80s. I was totally open with the band and my family and my friends and certainly the people I was sleeping with. I thought it was pretty obvious."

The 48-year-old musician also says that he never thought how his revelation could help others before.

He continues, "But I see now, of course, that's the case. I'd just never felt strongly enough about a particular relationship to say, 'Yeah, he's my boyfriend, that is what it is.' Now I recognize that to have public figures very open about their sexuality helps some kid somewhere out there."