Setlist from 1983 Show at Shea Stadium


Our friend from way back when, Laura Levine, took many now-iconic photographs of the band in the early to mid-1980s. She happened upon this and sent it along–a setlist which thanks to a hunch and a little easy sleuthing abetted by the estimable Remtimeline.com (thanks Chris Hartstonge) had

Terry Carlson: An Encomium


On Saturday, 7 February, the King of Cotton, Mr. Frequently Left Behind himself, Terry Carlson left us all behind. ‘TC’ (as he was known to many) passed away at his home in Moose Lake, MN–just south of the Great White North. Details list the cause as complications from diabetes, an

Minus 5 Set to Release New Album in March


The Minus 5 has a new album, Dungeon Golds, out March 10 on Yep Roc Records. It features #PeterBuck as well as Jeff Tweedy, various members of the The Decemberists, Linda Pitmon, Ian McLagan, and Bill Rieflin. You can preorder it now on CD and LP, with free

Looking Back To Opening Night 20 Years Ago In Perth


January 13th marks the 20th anniversary of the start of the band’s 1995 tour in support of Monster which kicked off in Perth, Australia, following a lengthy hiatus from the road. After four days of rehearsals in Perth, R.E.M. returned to the stage at the Perth Entertainment Centre with

Happy Birthday Michael Stipe!


It’s Michael’s birthday today and here are special birthday wishes from three lovely people who worked as his direct assistants over the many years:

-I hope this is the beginning of your best, most wonderful year ever! Happy Birthday Michael!! x-amy

-To a visionary, a masterful musician and a quintessential Southern gentleman.

Last Day of Reconstruction of the Steeple Campaign


Today is the last day of the Reconstruction of the Steeple campaign, a 40 day fundraiser that got extended by 20 days. You can bid on an incredible array of memorabilia from bands from the Athens, GA community who have come to the aid of this exceptional cause. Find

Michael performs surprise set at Webster Hall in NYC


Michael performed a surprise set of songs at Webster Hall in NYC last night including ones by R.E.M. as well as covers of tracks by Vic Chesnutt, Perfume Genius, Patti Smith (who headlined the show), and a Liza-inspired version of “Theme From ‘New York, New York’.”

Rollingstone.com has the

MICHAEL OPENS FOR PATTI SMITH IN NYC


As we reported earlier, Michael returned to the stage last night playing a surprise set at Webster Hall in NYC as the opening act for headliner Patti Smith. It was a special night given Michael and Patti’s connection through the years as musical & artistic kindred spirits; there’s also another

32 years ago: in the studio


Bertis was doing some research this morning on the estimable and invaluable The R.E.M. Timeline (thanks Chris Hartstonge and team), and he came upon this from 32 years ago:

8-16 December 1983 – Studio A, Reflection Sound Studios, Charlotte, NC

Tracks recorded: Harborcoat / 7 Chinese Bros. / So.

Colbert Report finale tonight


Colbert Report finale tonight–the end of an era, the passing of the torch, except there’s . . . no torch

Two years ago Michael did some Christmas cheer with Stephen and Mandy Patinkin:

watch video

… and of course the hilarious interview and rocking performance of the band on The Report

Michael Among Chelsea Manning Well-Wishers


From theguardian.com: “On Wednesday, Chelsea Manning —€œ heroine, whistleblower and inmate —€œ turns 27. She has been behind bars for four years and eight months, ever since her arrest for leaking ­classified US documents. There isn’t much prospect that she will be released any time soon. Manning is serving a

Musical History of Colbert Report at Salon


As the Colbert Reporrt winds down next week Salon has a feature on the musical history of the beloved show– including the first full band to play on the show– c 2008: R.E.M. Legendary interview and Supernatural Superserious c. 2008 (and included on the REMTV box