From CBS News: For decades, the city of Athens has set the stage for some of the biggest bands in the world, helping to launch the B 52’s, R.E.M. and The Black Crowes. The music scene has been a driving force in the local economy for generations.
Ever since the sadness of the end of the Bruce Hampton 70 show, we have been stymied about posting something to honor his life and memory. Thanks to our friend Chuck Reece of The Bitter Southerner (one of our favorite sites), with some help from Peter Buck, here is a beautiful tribute— enjoy.
From Rollingstone.com: In a new video compilation, Flea, Michael Stipe and Patti Smith praised the thousands of protestors who participated in the People’s Climate March in Washington D.C. on April 29th.
Peter and Scott McCaughey pair up with Strømstad and Arne Kjelsrud Mathisen to form The No Ones… Stream their debut single and read more about the band at Stereogum:
Peter tours with The Minus 5 and Alejandro Escovedo’s Burn Something Beautiful band in the Lone Star state this weekend. The troupe stops at Houston’s The Heights Theater tonight, April 29, and finishes things off in Austin on Saturday at the Paramount. Catch Peter, Scott, Kurt, Alejandro, and the crew while you can…and stay tuned for some photos … Continued
Hey y’all, just dropped a note to remind everyone that Alejandro Escovedo and The Minus 5 are doing a short Texas swing: Thursday at the The Kessler in Dallas, Friday in Houston, and Saturday in Austin. Come on down, and ill try to send out some tour reportage… ~Peter http://www.alejandroescovedo.com/tour-dates/
Athens Institute for Contemporary Art (ATHICA) screens CARNIVAl, a film by James Herbert, R.E.M. friend, mentor, and collaborator for all of the band’s years, Saturday, April 22nd, 7-9 pm. “Carnival” features Limbo District, Jeremy Ayers’ proto-art band from the early 1980’s, in which eleven minutes of painterly lyricism encapsulates the early Athens scene. More here: … Continued
ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A GIBSON ACOUSTIC GUITAR SIGNED BY Michael and what Planned Parenthood is calling an “UNPRECEDENTED NUMBER OF MUSIC STARS!” Donate $10 or more by clicking on the link below and you are automatically entered* for a chance to win this once-in-a lifetime piece of musical history. http://plannedparenthoodpromo.com/
Check out Portland-based band Eyelids video for their new single “Falling Eyes” featuring Peter Buck in a starring role during his birthday celebration. Peter also produced Eyelids new album or. Watch the video at Tidal.Com
Wishing the guys a happy anniversary on the day when it all started back in 1980 on April 5th.
Interesting post at caffeinatedrage.com: House Republicans on Capitol Hill will be voting on Trump’s health care bill and it seems like Donald Trump may be facing a legislative failure in his first big legislative push. And it set in motion a chain of interrelated thoughts. First, there is this proclamation that came from one Donald … Continued
Michael has done an interview with Creative Independent on his creative output post-R.E.M. The interview takes a glance at his artistic work, music, and film projects since the band called it a day in 2011. Here’s an excerpt:
Mike has been in Austin this week for SXSW and recently did an interview with Austin American Statesman. Read the interview here: http://music.blog.mystatesman.com/2017/03/17/sxsw-2017-an-interview-with-r-e-m-s-mike-mills-about-big-stars-third-and-more/ Photo: Mike with members of Big Star Third at SXSW
Athens-based photographer and HQ friend, Jason Thrasher, is releasing a “stream of consciousness” body of work focused on the widely-varied music scene of Athens, Georgia, called ATHENS POTLUCK this Fall. Michael is among the 33 musicians featured. Here’s what Jason has to say about the book and Michael’s involvement: “I’ve been working as a photographer … Continued
Peter Buck will be among the all-star cast of musicians performing at Hampton 70, a celebration of the music and influence of Col. Bruce Hampton on May 1, 2017, at the Fabulous Fox in Atlanta. Tickets go On-Sale March 17th at 10am http://foxth.co/hampton70-atl Peter had the following to say about Col. Bruce: “I started seeing … Continued