Hindu Love Gods (band)

The Hindu Love Gods were an American rock band, initially formed as a side project by members of R.E.M. The group consisted of Peter Buck (guitar), Mike Mills (bass), Bill Berry (drums), and Warren Zevon (vocals and guitar).

The band's origins can be traced back to impromptu jam sessions during the recording of R.E.M.'s album Green in 1988. They initially came together to record a single, a cover of the garage rock classic "Hangin' Round" by The McCoys.

Their only studio album, Hindu Love Gods, was released in 1990. It featured a mix of covers of blues and rock songs, as well as a few original compositions co-written by Zevon and the R.E.M. members. The album is known for its raw, energetic sound and its playful, often humorous, approach to familiar material. Standout tracks include covers of Prince's "Raspberry Beret" and Bo Diddley's "Who Do You Love?".

The Hindu Love Gods toured briefly in support of the album, performing a limited number of shows. The band members considered the project a fun, low-pressure outlet for their musical interests outside of their primary bands. After Zevon's death in 2003, future collaborations became impossible. While the Hindu Love Gods were a short-lived project, their music and performances are remembered for their spontaneity and the unique chemistry between the members.