Longtime friend and colleague Michael Plen took these shots, portraying some key early R.E.M. history—never before available for sale. The Reckoning sleeve shot is the master image of Michael in Paris: Nov 24th, 1983 at the club Baines-Douches, the band’s first concert on the continent of Europe. The other is from the stage as the … Continued
Since returning from Norway last week, Peter, Mike and Bertis and some at HQ keep being asked: “What were they doing up there/what was that festival about!?” Well, here goes: now that we’ve had a few days to reflect on that amazing time last week at #IceStationVadsø—the music, the scenery, and the generous people of … Continued
Listen to this beautiful version of Joseph Arthur’s “In The Sun” with Michael and read Joseph’s reflection just below… https://soundcloud.com/josepharthur/in-the-sun-free-acoustic-couch-rehearsal-joseph-arthur-michael-stipe In this world where everything sometimes seems to be nothing but darkness, it is music that heals and saves. It’s interesting that this attack happened in a venue whose soul purpose is to bring forth … Continued
Here’s another good summary with video of the action from #IceStationVadsø: http://bit.ly/1YcoxyQ
Read The Times article on the festival which featured performances by Peter Buck, Mike Mils, & Scott McCaughey among others… The Times photo from The Times
On the heels of the exciting news that Michael returned to the stage earlier this week at the Beacon Theatre in New York where he opened up for Patti Smith with a set of covers, here’s a roundup of various articles from around the web:
Michael is one of 20 musicians to name their favorite Rock and Roll memoirs in a post by Vulture: 20 Musicians’ Favorite Rock and Roll memoirs… R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe, author of Two Times Intro: On the Road With Patti Smith, also recommends Just Kids “She breathes art and revolution through the medium of rock and roll.” … Continued
More news from the extreme reaches of Norway in Finnmark… earlier tonight, Mike Mills channeled Robert Plant and sang lead vocals on Led Zeppelin’s “When The Levee Breaks.” He was joined by John Paul Jones, Kurt Bloch, Scott McCaughey, Linda Pitmon, Josh Kantor, and Steve Wynn. Video
We posted a photo earlier of Mike, Peter, and Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones rehearsing backstage at #icestationvadsø… prepping “Rockville” for the show that took place tonight. That was a cool moment, and here’s another from our intrepid man in the field, Bertis Downs, who snapped this shot of Kurt Bloch on guitar, Mike Mills … Continued
More coverage of Michael’s opening set at the Beacon Theatre where he supported Patti Smith: Brooklyn Vegan
Great photo of Mike, John Paul Jones, and Peter rehearsing backstage at #icestationvadsø…
MIchael made a surprise appearance last night at the Beacon Theatre in NYC where he opened for Patti Smith with a set of covers. He performed songs by John Lennon, Mott the Hoople, The Doors, David Bowie, & Neil Young among others. He also joined Patti Smith on stage for “People Have The Power.” Read … Continued
As noted earlier here and elsewhere, tonight was the first of two shows of #IceStationVadsø and it was quite a night for music lovers in Norway, wherever they were from. And quite a few had traveled to be here. Peter and Mike played in various concoctions of the immense musical talent on stage. There are … Continued
Farmhouse on the edge of Vadso, Norway, where the visiting musicians are doing a session with some Sami (indigenous people from the far north) musicians. That’s Peter Buck and John Paul Jones on the left, Steve Wynn on the right, and amazing Finnmark singer Elle Marja Eira who sings hypnotic trance like improvisations called yoiks. … Continued
Peter Buck will be in the lineup at the the Cross-Linx festival which was just announced yesterday… 4 shows of eclectic musicians playing all over Holland in February… more to come: Cross-Link Festival News