Highly recommend The Name of This Band Is R.E.M. by Peter Ames Carlin if you haven't read it already. It made me find a new appreciation for their discography.
Yeah, I was on an R.E.M. kick for like two months straight after reading that book at the beginning of last year.
One of my favorite music books of the past few years. That author’s book about the making of Born to Run is also great.
In case another rec is needed...I also very much enjoyed that book! Made me go back and check out old concert vids and music videos on YouTube too
Michael Stipe made a guest appearance during the Michael Shannon/Jason Narducy gig and holy shit vocally he's still got it after all this time!!
Started the audiobook but narration was kinda annoying me. I see it's out in the UK on paperback now so will seek out.
Seems like all the members of REM (minus Bill obviously) are out touring or involved in active music projects....why not go out for one more run as REM?!?!
Are they afraid that they would be seen as a moneygrab? The members should realize the hardcore fans would not think that. (Well, I wouldnt) Are they afraid that it wouldnt feel the same (they are not spring chickens anymore)? Do the songs not have the same meaning to them as they used to? Bot boy, the tickets would sell out quick, I am sure.
I kind of admire how deliberate they were about putting a capper on their journey as a band and then letting that stay the end. That said, I would absolutely buy tix to a reunion tour.
Michael said they went out on top and that's rare for a band, also he can just play random gigs and chill which is ideal for him
They appeared together and performed Losing My Religion for some Songwriters award within the past couple of years and in the interview they said they wouldn't do it because it wouldn't never be as good as it was.
Yeah I’m pretty sure they’ve said at some point that doing a reunion would feel like a cash grab which is why they’re reluctant to do it. It’s a bummer that they feel like that, but I understand and respect their perspective
Yes and in the book they talk about how they basically went out how they came in with no big announcement or farewell tour…but still I will continue to dream
Interview with Michael in today's Sunday Times in the UK where unsurprisingly he reiterates that a reunion will not happen. 8 songs to be finished for his solo album, no timeframe stated. Would be interested in that.