R.E.M. broke up three years ago, after 31 years as one of the most popular bands in history. A new retrospective and boxed set looks at the band's rise to fame. Anthony Mason sat down with singer Michael Stipe to discuss the group.
Floskeknosk beyond all the awesome music, for many, his work has been and continues to be the catalyst that transformed and transforms --- thank you michael xoxo
Michael Stipe is profound and cool.. And Humble!!! A true legend in music and all the respect and appreciation goes to him and his band mates!!! So many classic tunes that continue to stand the test of time!!! Thanks REM
I saw them live probably about 20 years ago, and they are doing an encore and we are waiting to hear Superman or one of their other popular songs - and he ends up breaking into this very pop sounding “midnight blue“ from the guy who used to be a lead singer in foreigner. I remember thinking at the time, this is him basically thumbing his nose at the whole cult of REM.
I always loved Michael's voice, and the songs just went into my ❤️. When I was living in Toronto over a few days I had a really strong desire to visit downtown and walk around, and that was something I never wanted to do. I decided to do honour to those feelings and was walking about on Yonge St. (Again something I never did) I was surprised to see a stage set up on Yonge St. Just south of Dundas, and knew I had to wait for something. I was surprised when R.E.M. appeared on stage and began to play. A free concert!!!! It started with just me and a few others watching and listening, and grew into a huge mob. What a day! It was part of what I learned later was some farewell performances. I miss your music Michael. I always felt you were the quiet heart of R.E.M. Thank you for your music.
Few pop artists ever reach the point where their lyrics are poetry and are also genuinely conveyed, while at the same time having music, deceptively of simple sounds, which even inspires musicians. If I play an REM piece on piano, people ask what it is. If I read lyrics from REM, people ask what it is. There's a reason for that. Even still, after all these years, you get an idea listening to Michael of the intellect, sincerity, and vulnerability that REM brought to music. We need REM in the world of today. I've so many memories of the songs in my life. A warm and heartfelt thanks to REM from someone who would've loved to have thanked you in person.
Michael Thomas Well said Michael. They broke up on their terms but at least we have the music to go back to (I know Stipe said he doesn’t look back). Such an important band in my teenage years and beyond. My favorite song of theirs is “Nightswimming” it’s absolutely hauntingly beautiful. Mike Mills piano 🎹 playing is spectacular 🌟🌟🌟
Puts a tear in my eye.. When he asks will REM ever get back together & Mike says "No"! Love REM, Love all they're songs.. All I can say is to them.. Thank you for the great Music!
paul elliott Probably ended at the right time. But their last 2 albums were both pretty fantastic- can't help but wish there was another one following Collapse.
bidhrohi12 You're absolutely right as they released two very good albums to wrap things up. Long time fan and I think it was a real good time to end things. It is done. REMTV is very, very good.
+matt helm Agree guys, last two albums damn fine indeed REMTV is a great release - got it when it came out I've been a fan since about 1984 and so much awesome material you could make a case for 100's of songs to be on any essential collection If you're a music fan their catalogue is essential in truth Truly wonderful
Miss hearing his voice live, it's so unique. Love REM all their songs are stories and you can feel their music! A very powerful interview! (good journalist) Lots of good information in just over 5 minutes. Love Michael Stipe such an open and honest genuine guy!
it's nice to see someone at peace with what they have done so far in their life and can move forward. Rem was a great band whose music will always stand the test of time.
Ah, time flies. I was a student at UGA in the late 70s/early 80s and saw these guys a lot, first at the Memorial Hall Ballroom when they opened for the Brains, often at Tyrone's, and when- and wherever I could. I think the Memorial Hall performance was about their 3rd in public, and they absolutely blew the Brains off the stage (sounds gruesome) and shook my foundations to the ground. Athens was just amazing then; R.E.M., Pylon, Love Tractor, Little Tigers, Art in the Dark, and many other bands were really creating a true music scene. Many other bands also visited town, including X, Los Lobos, and frequent visitors 10,000 Maniacs. It was a great time and place to be, and there I was, pogo-ing my little ass off. (Not so little any more.) Maybe not Liverpool in the early 60s, but I'm glad I was there. From the very beginning you could see that R.E.M. had chops and a deep well of creativity that served them throughout their time together. They worked hard, played constantly and were growing and improving by the week, but right from the start they could take over a stage (even with Stipe's early quirks). In this interview Stipe says they will never get together again, and I can respect that. Every dog has its day, and then that day is done--that's the way it works. I do think that R.E.M. is one band who could probably manage a reunion without turning it into a nostalgia-fest. Oh well. Anyway, thank you R.E.M. for what you gave us and for what you gave me.
I graduated from UGA in 1981 and saw them a few times at Tyrone's and maybe the 40 Watt Club. REM, Love Tractor, Pylon were hugely welcomed, desperately needed alternatives to the staid and dull sorority/fraternity beach party scene that dominated the campus at the time and the non-creative Top 40 cover bands playing at the B and L Warehouse. So glad I got to see REM and the other new music scene bands a few times before leaving Athens and heading to Copenhagen, DK for a university internship. The first thing students asked me when they heard I was a UGA graduate was REM! How they knew about them so fast without the internet, I do not know. Great memories.
I really miss his voice too! I think Stipe is so unique but he is the voice of so many, and I appreciate his willing to share here. I know I am late to this thread, and I have heard him since,; but, hearing him here makes me realize just how awesome he is. As I said, he is the voice of so many of us. Legend! He may be the epitome of humble yet cool!
When Michael says so quickly and forcefully that R.E.M. will never reunite, you can't help but feel that there is so much more to their breakup than we may ever know. I personally think they have so much music still in them and it is sad to think it will never see the light of day.
i don't get the impression that they're hiding much from us. stipe had spoken about running out of inspiration for lyrics, buck and mills were sick of touring...i think while at least 1 member (buck) was open to continuing, they were pretty weary as a band and after a couple of solid records they knew it was a good time to hang it up.
Ⓥegan Ⓥampire 2 Well lets see, they lost one of their members who wrote in the late 90's. Soldiered on as a three piece and released five more albums. They never wanted to be touring as a band playing their oldies. Following the band for the thirty some years, that 's exactly how I'd expect Stipe to answer that question. Over and out.
+Ⓥegan Ⓥampire 2 Having watched them for a few decades, I don't know that there *is* any more to it. I suppose there _could_ be, but it seems unlikely. I mean, if you do just about _anything_ for 30+ years, it has to wear on you a bit, doesn't it?
If they made it public, the internet and YT would force us to remember them that way and they understand that, this coming from a fellow Athens native.
He says that they were in a band together for 31 years, something that he started since he was 19 years old. He was just ready to move on to something different. He also shows up in interviews with the other guys occasionally. They're still friends, but it shouldn't be hard to understand that they've moved on and don't want to spend the rest of their lives in their twilight years reliving moments heavily focused on what they were doing in their 20s.
@@Niko98ful Difficult to tell with the interview clips over it, but sounds like this one: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Tv4nuD7q2uQ.html Hope this helps!
I loved REM from day 1. First time I saw them was 1984 at the University of Bridgeport. Then at the Agora in West Hartford in 85. I was one of “those people “who didn’t want them to get big. I never stopped going to see them though. Still my favorite band.
As much as Michael Stipe says "What's the point of getting the band back together?" I say it's because R.E.M. has so many fans who love the music and want to hear it played live!!! Please tour again!
Michael has been at it since he was 18, now the guy wants to chill out and do something else. Respect, you have made songs that will resonant in my consciousness for ever more : )
That was a fascinating five minutes I don't mind telling you. First, he looks like Rob Reiner, it's hard to picture Michael at what must be almost 60 years old (or more), but here he is. "You don't sing anymore" "In the shower" That was very revealing, and I admire him for knowing when it was time to walk away from it all. Many can't, many can't live without that attention, but he seems to have no regrets. More power to him, he's an interesting cat and I'll always admire him.
Hands down, one of the greatest bands and one of the greatest singers and front men, ever. REM are an American gem. I hope they don't reform as much as I miss them. They were never the same after Berry left.
One of the greatest bands ever!!! I love the message and melodies of rock and roll REM brought to the table. Thank you for being so honest and raw. I get the reason why no reunion but I’m happy Michael still sings. You can’t run away from that.
Liked that low key chat with an icon..well done Anthony...R.E.M....just so very special, in all of the phases. It's done, no need to repeat any of it as it lives on regardless.
Huge respect that they ended it on good terms. He deserves a quiet life he and the band did what they loved for so long for us. Retirement everyone deserves that.
Damn. 31 yrs. I can still remember in 1983 telling guys at work to listen to Murmur(?) and saying these guys are gonna be big. I'd heard them on Hendrix College's Radio station.
Murmur is one of my all-time favorite albums. I was in HS during its release and it still holds up to this day. I have been a huge fan for years and love all their albums but something about those IRS releases just brings a tear to my eye. Such great writing and playing.
Love how this interview was conducted. The interviewer said exactly what I'd like to say. And I'd love to hear Stipe again, even if not with the band. The world's a lesser place without REM.
I'm happy for him and you just gatta respect a guy who's survived for 30 years in a cut throat industry with his life and sanity! Thanks for the memories.
i saw REM 3 times, the third being their last concert in Atlanta.....first time was in 1985 at Indiana University. the venue held about 2,000 people. My buddies and i took shifts standing in line for 2 days (iPhoners eat your heart out)...Kick butt show. Stipe wore a paper bag over his head for nearly the entire show and purposely switched up the lyrics to their songs for live performances. hell, he even sang from offstage for 2-3 songs....i loved that quirky bastard. he was almost as weird as me - almost. Many of today's audiences would want their money back, whereas we freaking loved it as this was the enigma of REM.
+david browning Bloomington Indiana? The Bluebird? Spent a few years there for grad school as an international student. Left for home when I finished. Back in '85 the IU basketball team was kickass!
mwrkhan i loved the Bluebird! REM performed their show at what i think was called "the performing arts center" - or something like that. as i recall, it's the same venue that plays were performed at - on campus...there's a large statue/water fountain right out front of the building (same statue i climbed to the top of surrounded by thousands of partying fellow-students the night IU beat UNLV in '87 for the NCAA Championship. lol)
I have known this band in my pre-teens but I haven't listened to them much,but some songs of theirs was already liked. But 'whats the frequency Kenneth' is what I'm mostly familiar with 😂😍💞💞💞💞💞💞 moreover,I have listened to their old tracks recently, really hooked to them now.
Oh Michael, looking back isn't so bad, it's a way of reflection and of being proud of what you achieved. REM gave so many people so much pleasure and the music you played was simply unique and related to real people. REM resurrected would make my soul smile. REM = Really Excellent Music and it will never die for me.
I'd Like To Hear Him Sing in The Shower (Michael) WooooHoooo YA BABYYY!! Ps. Michael I Get it... Why You Might Never Wanna Do Concerts Again But God Blessed You With That Voice & Whatever you Decide to Do Know That We'll Always LOVE ALL OF YOU. ❤❤❤❤😘😘😘😘 God Bless!! ❤😘
This year (2016) for me will be the 25'th anniversary of being introduced to R.E.M. When "Losing my religion" came out my eyes were opened and we had this really cool music teacher in my high school who taught the class how to play it. I miss bands like R.E.M. in today's music world.
Me too! I bought tickets to a show in 1988, but my father decided to visit me in college, so I gave them to a friend. I don't remember what I did with my Dad that weekend, but I'm sure I would have remembered seeing REM. Now my father and the band are both gone. Unlike you, I am a big fan of pointless regret!
Saw the min 1983 at the University at Buffalo, when they were just starting to really get noticed. They were THE college band. Great show, as I recall.
I don't usually use superlatives, but R.E.M. is easily the best band in rock n roll history. They could play the yellow pages and still hypnotize with their zeal and faithfulness to the art of melody.
1qwasz12 love REM, but easily the best band in rock n roll history? The band itself would come up with 10 other bands easily such as: Patti smith, David Bowie, Queen, Wire, to name a few...
One of the greatest bands ever I saw them many years ago I'm much older now and I still play their music every day happy retirement to the best rock band in the world 😢😢😢
