The original lineup of R.E.M. appeared on stage together for the first time in 17 years last night (February 8).
Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Michael Stipe all attended a tribute concert at the 40 Watt Club in their hometown of Athens, Georgia. The tribute band, which includes Oscar-nominated actor Michael Shannon (Nocturnal Animals) on vocals and indie rock vet Jason Narducy (Bob Mould, Superchunk) on bass, were in Athens performing R.E.M.’s classic debut Murmur in full.
Members of the band joined Shannon and Narducy for the performance, however, Stipe was not one of them. The former R.E.M. frontman, however, did join his bandmates at the end of the night, expressing his approval of the concert/tour. “Speaking on behalf of Bill and Mike and Peter," Stipe said, "we are so f**king thrilled to be here tonight.”
R.E.M. formed in Athens in 1980 after meeting at the University of Georgia. They released their debut album, Murmur, three years later, following it up with a string of albums that carve a path for the American indie rock and college rock scenes. The band rose to fame later in the decade, taking home multiple Grammy Awards for 1991's Out of Time.
Drummer Berry collapsed on stage in 1995 after suffering a ruptured brain aneurysm, which led to his departure from the band in 1997. Stipe, Mills and Buck continued to operate as R.E.M. until the band finally split after 31 years in 2011.
See footage from the show below.
— Scene SC (@SceneSC) February 9, 2024