Author Archives: David Bell

Eight Years Back: Takeaway Shows


From around this time of year, eight years ago, as R.E.M. was finishing up ACCELERATE with Jacknife Lee and team here in Athens—€some great footage of new live songs with the band having fun in the old hometown. Takeaway Shows thanks to the super-talented and charismatic Vincent

Unauthorized Political Use of R.E.M. Music


“While we do not authorize or condone the use of our music at this political event, and do ask that these candidates cease and desist from doing so, let us remember that there are things of greater importance at stake here. The media and the American voter should focus on

Unauthorized Political Use of R.E.M. Music


“While we do not authorize or condone the use of our music at this political event, and do ask that these candidates cease and desist from doing so, let us remember that there are things of greater importance at stake here. The media and the American voter should focus on

Ashley Diamond is released from prison


Back in April, Michael Stipe & Elton John wrote an impassioned essay (featured in The Guardian) about the plight of transgender people in U.S. prisons. The essay called on the The United States Department of Justice to take a stand against the brutality and sexual assault that transgender

LSTN TO TCHRS


An enthusiastic Bertis Downs in his one-of-a-kind “LSTN TO TCHRS” tee-shirt at the Communities in Schools awards ceremony Saturday night where he & Katherine Downs were recognized for their tireless and dedicated contributions to public education in Athens.

At the end of his brief remarks, which were about education and opportunity

Art Rox Athens Returns This Weekend


Art Rocks Athens returns! Film, photography, and, of course, music will be the focus this year, with a continuing retrospective, primarily 1975-1985, of the art and artists who made the music that made Athens, GA famous. Artist Sandra-Lee Phipps, SCAD Atlanta professor and R.E.M. colleague, is curating a

32 Years Back: A Philly Reflection


I recall the exact moment when I realized that my favorite band, an underground sensation, had the potential to get very popular. It was August 20, 1983, and I was fortunate enough to be standing on the side of the stage at John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, as a

32 Years Ago Today… R.E.M. at Shea Stadium


It was 32 years ago today: R.E.M. played Shea Stadium. Memories that day: It rained. Peter was energetic, well above the stage much of the set, which was all of 15 minutes, tops. They wowed some people, the ones who’d braved the elements to be there huddled in front of

An Evening With Peter Buck: Aug 25 in LA


Peter will be Djing with Liz and Lance of Permanent Records on August 25 at Ace Hotel in LA. Bring your dancing shoes and get ready for a night filled with garage, soul, funk and beyond.

More information here