OK R.E.M. fans, I have to ask it- any chance of a reunion, casual get-together gig, benefit gig, anything like that? I doubt a reunion (plenty of interview footage to support that unlikelihood) but a brief anything would be... well, great, I would hope. Probably just wishful thinking but...?
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
This is just my guess/opinion, but I'd say while it's possible they will all 4 (including Bill Berry) end up on some stage together perfomring, maybe even an REM song or 2, it will NOT be announced ahead of time. It'll either happen organically or they'll plan it secretly and spring it on people. Can't see them actually announcing a reunion. And definitely not a reunion tour, sadly....
I'm still devastated I missed their induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame back in, I dunno what year but pretty sure it was after they announced their breakup. Definitellly after their last tour in '08. They performed at that, including Bill Berry, and I lived in Atlanta then. Knew about it but couldn't get there to devise a way in.
OK R.E.M. fans, I have to ask it- any chance of a reunion, casual get-together gig, benefit gig, anything like that? I doubt a reunion (plenty of interview footage to support that unlikelihood) but a brief anything would be... well, great, I would hope. Probably just wishful thinking but...?
I follow Mills on twitter, and someone recently asked him why they will never reunite, and he replied, and I'm paraphrasing, "it's been talked about ad nauseum"
OK R.E.M. fans, I have to ask it- any chance of a reunion, casual get-together gig, benefit gig, anything like that? I doubt a reunion (plenty of interview footage to support that unlikelihood) but a brief anything would be... well, great, I would hope. Probably just wishful thinking but...?
I follow Mills on twitter, and someone recently asked him why they will never reunite, and he replied, and I'm paraphrasing, "it's been talked about ad nauseum"
I saw that Mike comment as well. There's a side of me that says they'll do a one off gig or something down the road but I can't think of anything more R.E.M. than to say they're done and never look back.
Like all R.E.M. fans, I wish they would give it a shot. When I think about all the bands that have re-united it seems to me the mediocre ones stayed mediocre (I won't mention names because I don't like to disparage any musician or band) but the good ones often stayed good or got better. Two cases in point: Mission of Burma after a 17 year hiatus and Dinosaur Jr who reformed intact after a 16 year break up. Now if R.E.M. were to follow suit, they might be able to do the same. Major difference though is that R.E.M.were consecutively together much longer than Burma and Dino and a 16 or 17 year gap would mean waiting another 9 or 10 years. Bummer!
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
I've avoided posting in this thread because I just can't answer the OP's question! Without being too fanboy I honestly don't think it matters where you start with R.E.M. because I don't think they made a bad record. Of course some records are better than others but I could randomly pick any album of theirs with my eyes shut and find a reason to recommend it. Even 'Around The Sun', which the band hated, has got Leaving New York, Final Straw, Boy in the Well, and The Outsiders (I prefer the Stipe version to the Q-Tip one).
As others have said, the most rewarding way would be to start at the start and work through chronologically, enjoying their evolution. Then move onto their b-sides and Christmas singles (even more rewarding than PJ's to me)
To follow Brian's point, I would love it if they got back together somewhere down the line, as long as it was for the right reasons and not just a cash in. It would be awesome if it was sudden and unexpected, kinda like their break up. Gone one minute, back with a new record the next. There's a thread on The Porch asking if you'd be satisfied if PJ didn't release any more records. A lot of people have said "as long as they still toured..." I think the opposite is true of R.E.M. As great as they are live I'd be happier if they released new records but didn't tour.
I only got to see them live twice, in 1995 and 2005, both in Cardiff. The 2005 show was supposed to be the last show of the UK tour, but the London show was postponed until the following week after the bombings. They still treated Cardiff like it was the last night though, and it's a great memory of the last time I'll see them on stage.
“Do not postpone happiness”
(Jeff Tweedy, Sydney 2007)
/\ Really good post. I have always wondered what the band thought of Around the Sun. I think it's a really strong album at the core. There were some missteps on some songs and some production but I think every artist in the world wishes they could write songs like Leaving New York, Boy in the Well, Ascent of Man, and more. I feel like Electron Blue (which Michael oddly said was his favorite) and the studio version of Outsiders are the real misses. I too prefer the version with Stipe doing the rap.
I have a family situation I've had to attend to in the last 2 weeks (father in a hospital intensive care unit 3 1/2 hours drive away from where we live (and I'm only child so only immediate family he has)). This means I've been driving a LOT because I've had to go back and forth a lot. After listening to the last 2 Radiohead albums several times (cuz I hadn't heard In Rainbows or Moon Shaped Pool many times), I thought of this thread and decided to take my own advice and the advice of several here and start with the 1st REM album and work my way through the entire catalogue. On Life's Rich Pageant now, and though it's for sad reasons, looking forward to continuing my journey through every single album, one at a time. Also bringing back many great memories of seeing them live and various REM adventures.
Actually stunning how many incredible songs the one band has. Going to read the article someone posted above soon, on them maybe being the most consistently fantastic band ever. Thanks for posting!
I have a family situation I've had to attend to in the last 2 weeks (father in a hospital intensive care unit 3 1/2 hours drive away from where we live (and I'm only child so only immediate family he has)). This means I've been driving a LOT because I've had to go back and forth a lot. After listening to the last 2 Radiohead albums several times (cuz I hadn't heard In Rainbows or Moon Shaped Pool many times), I thought of this thread and decided to take my own advice and the advice of several here and start with the 1st REM album and work my way through the entire catalogue. On Life's Rich Pageant now, and though it's for sad reasons, looking forward to continuing my journey through every single album, one at a time. Also bringing back many great memories of seeing them live and various REM adventures.
Actually stunning how many incredible songs the one band has. Going to read the article someone posted above soon, on them maybe being the most consistently fantastic band ever. Thanks for posting!
Very cool, JH. You're in for a great ride going through all those amazing records.
More importantly, best wishes for your father. I hope he's doing OK. Wishing you safe trips back and forth as well.
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
I am pretty confident they will reunite to perform in some manner. The key factor is, they are all still friends and communicate with one another. In the past 6 months or so, Stipe has confirmed this and has stated that he would like to make music again. The only challenging part is that they live in different parts of the country. Seeing Stipe and Miles go on various talk shows (in the US and abroad) is making me think that its more of a possibility than it was in 2012.
Brianlux thanks for your good wishes for my dad. He's slowly improving but still in intensive care and still has a long way to go.
Bluesuedeitzrad I really hope you're right about a reunion being more possible than we think! Where have you heard Stipe confirm he'd like to make music again? And did he say with members of REM or it was more general?
Either way that's great news, I'd love to know where he said it so I can check it out and squee appropriately
Brianlux thanks for your good wishes for my dad. He's slowly improving but still in intensive care and still has a long way to go.
Bluesuedeitzrad I really hope you're right about a reunion being more possible than we think! Where have you heard Stipe confirm he'd like to make music again? And did he say with members of REM or it was more general?
Either way that's great news, I'd love to know where he said it so I can check it out and squee appropriately
I also saw in an article or online that he expressed an interest in returning to music, but it was as vague as it sounds. possibly solo, who knows.
In June 2014, it was reported that Stipe had created the soundtrack for The Cold Lands, a film by Stipe's friend, director Tom Gilroy.[21] http://www.nme.com/news/michael-stipe/77708
In following some of the links above, I found this brief interview with Bill Berry. It was a pleasure to read, and I feel very fortunate that given that he was called by some "REM's true Man of Mystery" because of his avoidance of attention and publicity, I feel incredibly lucky that I got to speak to him many times. I found him to be absolutely lovely. Great article. Would love to hear "Radio Catfink"!
It also reminds me that when I've had the chance, if I'm going to give something to an artist that I really respect I try to think of something that would mean something to them. Right around the time that this Rolling Stone cover came out, I gave Bill the gift of a pin to put on this same hat. And he put it on, I saw him wear it, which I was sooooo excited about! But I never had the nerve to ask for a photo of him with it, since I knew how much he hated photos and all. But reading that made me dig up this photo, great memory.
This last drive it was Document all the way through twice. Been a LONG time since I listened to the whole album, what a pleasure to re-discover songs like Lightning Hopkins, King of Birds... even Exhuming McCarthy which I don't think I liked that much at first back when it came out.
And then one listen through Green... World Leader Pretend, You Are the Everything, Turn You Inside Out... so much awesomeness!
This last drive it was Document all the way through twice. Been a LONG time since I listened to the whole album, what a pleasure to re-discover songs like Lightning Hopkins, King of Birds... even Exhuming McCarthy which I don't think I liked that much at first back when it came out.
And then one listen through Green... World Leader Pretend, You Are the Everything, Turn You Inside Out... so much awesomeness!
Just reading this brings those songs back! Been a while for me too- might just give some of those songs a spin this evening!
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
last year I met up with an old girlfriend and her sister happened to be at her house. I hadn't seen her in almost 15 years.... the first thing she said was "I remember you were obsessed with REM".
2000- Atlanta, GA: New Orleans, LA: Memphis, TN: Nashville, TN
2003- Raleigh, NC: Charlotte, NC: Atlanta, GA
2004- Asheville, NC (hometown show)
2006- Cincinnati, OH
2008- Columbia, SC
2009- Chicago, IL x 2 / Ed Vedder- Atlanta, GA x 2
2010- Bristow, VA
2011- Alpine Valley, WI (PJ20) x 2 / Ed Vedder- Chicago, IL
2012- Atlanta, GA
2013- Charlotte, NC
2014- Cincinnati, OH
2015- New York, NY
2016- Greenville, SC: Hampton, VA:: Columbia, SC: Raleigh, NC : Lexington, KY: Philly, PA 2: (Wrigley) Chicago, IL x 2 (holy shit): Temple of the Dog- Philly, PA
last year I met up with an old girlfriend and her sister happened to be at her house. I hadn't seen her in almost 15 years.... the first thing she said was "I remember you were obsessed with REM".
Can never have to much R.E.M.!
Check out this early acoustic "Driver 8" I used to play my rendition of this song for my folks. My father (who is named Ray) asked me one time, "So who is this Driver Ray anyway?" Big lesson in enunciation!
last year I met up with an old girlfriend and her sister happened to be at her house. I hadn't seen her in almost 15 years.... the first thing she said was "I remember you were obsessed with REM".
Can never have to much R.E.M.!
Check out this early acoustic "Driver 8" I used to play my rendition of this song for my folks. My father (who is named Ray) asked me one time, "So who is this Driver Ray anyway?" Big lesson in enunciation!
I've always loved this Bridge School version of Country Feedback because it combines 2 of my favourite things - R.E.M and Uncle Neil! There's one bum note from Michael about 6 minutes in that stops it being the perfect version for me (personally I think the Jools Holland performance may be a better vocal), but Neil plays some really beautiful solos on this one
last year I met up with an old girlfriend and her sister happened to be at her house. I hadn't seen her in almost 15 years.... the first thing she said was "I remember you were obsessed with REM".
Can never have to much R.E.M.!
Check out this early acoustic "Driver 8" I used to play my rendition of this song for my folks. My father (who is named Ray) asked me one time, "So who is this Driver Ray anyway?" Big lesson in enunciation!
Great video Brian, i hadn't seen that one before. They all look so young!
For sure, especially Mike Mills. He looks like he's about 14! It's hard to imagine sometimes that these guys were just college kids when they started. And wasn't that just a few years ago?!
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
last year I met up with an old girlfriend and her sister happened to be at her house. I hadn't seen her in almost 15 years.... the first thing she said was "I remember you were obsessed with REM".
Can never have to much R.E.M.!
Check out this early acoustic "Driver 8" I used to play my rendition of this song for my folks. My father (who is named Ray) asked me one time, "So who is this Driver Ray anyway?" Big lesson in enunciation!
Great video Brian, i hadn't seen that one before. They all look so young!
For sure, especially Mike Mills. He looks like he's about 14! It's hard to imagine sometimes that these guys were just college kids when they started. And wasn't that just a few years ago?!
I love that session. I remember I had it on some DVD.... IRS (the early years) or something to that effect. the interviews on that are hilarious. the band hanging out with some inner city youth in California somewhere. Stipe talking about Michael Jackson and Peter Buck listing all the cool underground bands at the time. most went on to become "legends" Husker Du, Meat Puppets, etc.
2000- Atlanta, GA: New Orleans, LA: Memphis, TN: Nashville, TN
2003- Raleigh, NC: Charlotte, NC: Atlanta, GA
2004- Asheville, NC (hometown show)
2006- Cincinnati, OH
2008- Columbia, SC
2009- Chicago, IL x 2 / Ed Vedder- Atlanta, GA x 2
2010- Bristow, VA
2011- Alpine Valley, WI (PJ20) x 2 / Ed Vedder- Chicago, IL
2012- Atlanta, GA
2013- Charlotte, NC
2014- Cincinnati, OH
2015- New York, NY
2016- Greenville, SC: Hampton, VA:: Columbia, SC: Raleigh, NC : Lexington, KY: Philly, PA 2: (Wrigley) Chicago, IL x 2 (holy shit): Temple of the Dog- Philly, PA
Comments
I'm still devastated I missed their induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame back in, I dunno what year but pretty sure it was after they announced their breakup. Definitellly after their last tour in '08. They performed at that, including Bill Berry, and I lived in Atlanta then. Knew about it but couldn't get there to devise a way in.
www.headstonesband.com
http://www.reverbnation.com/brianzilm
As others have said, the most rewarding way would be to start at the start and work through chronologically, enjoying their evolution. Then move onto their b-sides and Christmas singles (even more rewarding than PJ's to me)
To follow Brian's point, I would love it if they got back together somewhere down the line, as long as it was for the right reasons and not just a cash in. It would be awesome if it was sudden and unexpected, kinda like their break up. Gone one minute, back with a new record the next.
There's a thread on The Porch asking if you'd be satisfied if PJ didn't release any more records. A lot of people have said "as long as they still toured..." I think the opposite is true of R.E.M. As great as they are live I'd be happier if they released new records but didn't tour.
I only got to see them live twice, in 1995 and 2005, both in Cardiff. The 2005 show was supposed to be the last show of the UK tour, but the London show was postponed until the following week after the bombings. They still treated Cardiff like it was the last night though, and it's a great memory of the last time I'll see them on stage.
(Jeff Tweedy, Sydney 2007)
“Put yer good money on the sunrise”
(Tim Rogers)
http://www.reverbnation.com/brianzilm
Actually stunning how many incredible songs the one band has. Going to read the article someone posted above soon, on them maybe being the most consistently fantastic band ever. Thanks for posting!
More importantly, best wishes for your father. I hope he's doing OK. Wishing you safe trips back and forth as well.
The key factor is, they are all still friends and communicate with one another. In the past 6 months or so, Stipe has confirmed this and has stated that he would like to make music again. The only challenging part is that they live in different parts of the country.
Seeing Stipe and Miles go on various talk shows (in the US and abroad) is making me think that its more of a possibility than it was in 2012.
Bluesuedeitzrad I really hope you're right about a reunion being more possible than we think! Where have you heard Stipe confirm he'd like to make music again? And did he say with members of REM or it was more general?
Either way that's great news, I'd love to know where he said it so I can check it out and squee appropriately
www.headstonesband.com
http://www.reverbnation.com/brianzilm
In June 2014, it was reported that Stipe had created the soundtrack for The Cold Lands, a film by Stipe's friend, director Tom Gilroy.[21]
http://www.nme.com/news/michael-stipe/77708
On March 15, 2017, it was announced that he would debut his first solo composition at Moogfest.[22]
http://pitchfork.com/news/72241-michael-stipe-to-debut-new-solo-composition-at-moogfest/
www.headstonesband.com
http://www.nme.com/news/music/various-artists-3380-1280276
www.headstonesband.com
http://onlineathens.com/rem-hall/stories/berry.shtml
It also reminds me that when I've had the chance, if I'm going to give something to an artist that I really respect I try to think of something that would mean something to them. Right around the time that this Rolling Stone cover came out, I gave Bill the gift of a pin to put on this same hat. And he put it on, I saw him wear it, which I was sooooo excited about! But I never had the nerve to ask for a photo of him with it, since I knew how much he hated photos and all. But reading that made me dig up this photo, great memory.
https://www.google.com/search?q=rem+cover+rolling+stone&safe=active&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjpysDohq_TAhVrs1QKHR_8CFgQ_AUIBygC&biw=1094&bih=438&dpr=1.25#imgrc=vdzN80mNTGN0wM:
And then one listen through Green... World Leader Pretend, You Are the Everything, Turn You Inside Out... so much awesomeness!
the world needs more REM!!
last year I met up with an old girlfriend and her sister happened to be at her house.
I hadn't seen her in almost 15 years.... the first thing she said was "I remember you were obsessed with REM".
livefootsteps.org/user/?usr=446
1995- New Orleans, LA : New Orleans, LA
1996- Charleston, SC
1998- Atlanta, GA: Birmingham, AL: Greenville, SC: Knoxville, TN
2000- Atlanta, GA: New Orleans, LA: Memphis, TN: Nashville, TN
2003- Raleigh, NC: Charlotte, NC: Atlanta, GA
2004- Asheville, NC (hometown show)
2006- Cincinnati, OH
2008- Columbia, SC
2009- Chicago, IL x 2 / Ed Vedder- Atlanta, GA x 2
2010- Bristow, VA
2011- Alpine Valley, WI (PJ20) x 2 / Ed Vedder- Chicago, IL
2012- Atlanta, GA
2013- Charlotte, NC
2014- Cincinnati, OH
2015- New York, NY
2016- Greenville, SC: Hampton, VA:: Columbia, SC: Raleigh, NC : Lexington, KY: Philly, PA 2: (Wrigley) Chicago, IL x 2 (holy shit): Temple of the Dog- Philly, PA
2017- ED VED- Louisville, KY
2018- Chicago, IL x2, Boston, MA x2
2020- Nashville, TN
2022- Smashville
2023- Austin, TX x2
2024- Baltimore
Check out this early acoustic "Driver 8" I used to play my rendition of this song for my folks. My father (who is named Ray) asked me one time, "So who is this Driver Ray anyway?" Big lesson in enunciation!
(Jeff Tweedy, Sydney 2007)
“Put yer good money on the sunrise”
(Tim Rogers)
There's one bum note from Michael about 6 minutes in that stops it being the perfect version for me (personally I think the Jools Holland performance may be a better vocal), but Neil plays some really beautiful solos on this one
I also really love the look on Michael's face when he's watching Neil (about 1:18 into the video)
(Jeff Tweedy, Sydney 2007)
“Put yer good money on the sunrise”
(Tim Rogers)
the interviews on that are hilarious. the band hanging out with some inner city youth in California somewhere. Stipe talking about Michael Jackson and Peter Buck listing all the cool underground bands at the time. most went on to become "legends" Husker Du, Meat Puppets, etc.
livefootsteps.org/user/?usr=446
1995- New Orleans, LA : New Orleans, LA
1996- Charleston, SC
1998- Atlanta, GA: Birmingham, AL: Greenville, SC: Knoxville, TN
2000- Atlanta, GA: New Orleans, LA: Memphis, TN: Nashville, TN
2003- Raleigh, NC: Charlotte, NC: Atlanta, GA
2004- Asheville, NC (hometown show)
2006- Cincinnati, OH
2008- Columbia, SC
2009- Chicago, IL x 2 / Ed Vedder- Atlanta, GA x 2
2010- Bristow, VA
2011- Alpine Valley, WI (PJ20) x 2 / Ed Vedder- Chicago, IL
2012- Atlanta, GA
2013- Charlotte, NC
2014- Cincinnati, OH
2015- New York, NY
2016- Greenville, SC: Hampton, VA:: Columbia, SC: Raleigh, NC : Lexington, KY: Philly, PA 2: (Wrigley) Chicago, IL x 2 (holy shit): Temple of the Dog- Philly, PA
2017- ED VED- Louisville, KY
2018- Chicago, IL x2, Boston, MA x2
2020- Nashville, TN
2022- Smashville
2023- Austin, TX x2
2024- Baltimore
(Jeff Tweedy, Sydney 2007)
“Put yer good money on the sunrise”
(Tim Rogers)
https://store.remhq.com/products/automatic-for-the-people-25th-anniversary-vinyl
All that I once held as true
I stand alone without beliefs
The only truth I know is you.