Michael Stipe Surprises Fans at R.E.M. Tribute Concert in NYC

Join us as we explore Michael Stipe's surprise appearance at the R.E.M. tribute concert, showcasing the band's legacy and music.

A Rare Reunion in Athens

In a stunning turn of events, R.E.M. fans were treated to an ultra-rare, impromptu reunion of the band's original members last month in Athens, Georgia. This reunion was part of actor-singer Michael Shannon and guitarist Jason Narducy's tour, where they performed R.E.M.’s iconic 1985 album Fables of the Reconstruction in its entirety. The excitement didn't stop there, as frontman Michael Stipe made a surprise appearance again on March 8, singing “Pretty Persuasion” during the finale of a show at New York’s Brooklyn Steel.

This remarkable gathering on February 27-28 at the 40 Watt Club was only the second time since 2007 that Stipe, alongside guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and drummer Bill Berry, graced the stage together. And last night marked Stipe's first solo guest performance during the Fables tour, which will continue through March 15 in Evanston, Illinois, before heading to the U.K. for a brief stint in late August.

The Thrilling Atmosphere at Brooklyn Steel

The atmosphere at Brooklyn Steel was electric, brimming with nostalgia and energy. The venue, which is three times larger than Music Hall of Williamsburg—where Shannon and Narducy had previously performed—was filled with eager middle-aged R.E.M. fans thirsting for a taste of the band's rich catalog, which many believed had concluded with their amicable breakup in 2011.

“They’re all happy and living well and also comfortable with their legacy and their history,” Narducy explained when asked about R.E.M.'s participation in these shows. “Somehow, they’re okay with us doing this. There was no strategy for us with these shows. It was just Michael Shannon and I doing this thing every 10 years where we play albums that we love, and this particular one just took off. I love how organically it happened.”

Support for a Meaningful Cause

As if the night couldn't get any better, the tour is also raising funds for Abortion Access Front. During the show, founder and CCO Lizz Winstead took the stage to express her gratitude to the musicians and the audience.

“On a personal note, I really need you guys to understand the joy that you are bringing,” she said. “I couldn’t wait to get here, because not only is it so fun, and do we love this music, how much you love it makes it so great. I’m not going to cry!”

A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

Eagle-eyed fans were thrilled to spot filmmaker Lance Bangs in the audience, shooting parts of the performance from offstage. While it's uncertain if this was for something more than archival purposes, the presence of such talent only added to the night's allure.

FAQs

• What was the significance of the R.E.M. reunion? The reunion marked a rare moment for fans, showcasing the band's enduring legacy and connection with their audience.
• How did the audience react to Stipe's performance? The crowd was ecstatic, filled with nostalgia and excitement, making for an electrifying atmosphere.
• What is the purpose of the tour? The tour not only celebrates R.E.M.'s music but also raises funds for Abortion Access Front, highlighting important social issues.
• Will there be more concerts in the future? While this tour is ongoing, each performance is unique, and fans hope for more surprises and appearances from the band members.
• How can fans support the cause? Attending the concerts and contributing to the cause through ticket purchases help raise funds for Abortion Access Front.

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