We were all saddened to learn of Tom Gray’s passing this past weekend. For those who weren’t familiar with Tom’s work, he was the lead singer and keyboardist of Atlanta’s The Brains who R.E.M. supported on a couple of occasions in the early days. Bill Berry wrote the words below in remembrance of Tom (pictured here with Peter, Bill, and Mike in R.E.M.’s rehearsal space as they prepared for “Revival,” a benefit show for Georgia’s historic theaters, held at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta in September 2019):
““I knew he was battling cancer when this photo was taken, but given his warmth and enthusiasm for the project, I so easily placed it out of mind. I hope he maintained that attitude until Saturday October 16. Rest in peace pal.”
Photo: Kevn Kinney