R.E.M. make rare on-stage appearance at tribute gig
R.E.M. surprised their fans on February 8th when they reunited during a tribute gig. The show was celebrating their classic album, Murmur, and all four members, Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Bill Berry and Mike Mills, made an unexpected return.
The tribute concert took place at the 40 Watt Club in their hometown of Athens, Georgia. The 460-capacity venue initially hosted Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy’s latest show, where the pair played their favourite songs from R.E.M’s 1983 album.
Videos have since emerged online that capute the band taking to the stage at the event. After the excited audience quietens down, the frontman says, “Speaking on behalf of Bill and Mike and Peter, we are so fucking thrilled to be here tonight.”
While the footage available is limited, the band did not perform together at the show and instead used the stage to thank fans.
Meanwhile, R.E.M. were recently announced as inducteees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame alongside Donald Fagen and Walter Becker from Steely Dan. The inductees are classed as “non-performing” songwriters and will be officially honoured at a ceremony in June.
Chairman of the committee, Nile Rodgers, said in a statement: “Very proud that we are continually recognising some of the culturally most important songwriters of all time and that the 2024 slate represents not just iconic songs but also diversity and unity across genres, ethnicity and gender, songwriters who have enriched our lives and literally enriched music and the lives of billions of listeners all over the world.”
Watch footage of the band’s mini-reunion below.
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