R.E.M.embering 1994-2004: a ten year anniversary

It was shortly after 'Monster' was released that I became a devoted R.E.M. fan. I distinctly remember taping "What's the frequency, Kenneth?", "Star 69" and "Crush With Eyeliner" off the radio. Then, after hearing their other albums, and more familiar with the distinct vocals of Michael Stipe, it soon became apparent that they were one of the biggest rock bands around.That was ten years ago, this month. Today, Wikipedia tags them as the "godfathers of alternative rock". What's also interesting to note is that the band met in Athens twenty four years ago, in 1979, the year I was born.

To this day, they've remained my ultimate concert and have yet to perform in Africa, despite celebrating SA's democracy three years ago, at a benefit concert in Trafalgar Square. I've spent the past month frequenting R.E.M.hq to check for their 2005 European Tour dates, and for news on their forthcoming album titled 'Around the Sun'. They haven't announced dates for London yet, but when they do you can bet I'll be the first to know. I'm subscribed to their mailing list, and I'm registered for access to online ticket pre-sales. Judging by the ticket prices for their already announced gigs in Western Europe in January I'm expecting to pay under £25... compared to Madonna's £100+ you might start to realise why, apart from their music, I respect this band so much. After 24 years they're still in the business of music because they enjoy it. They've never sold out to anyone, they respect their fans, and they're social activists with a good cause.

UPDATE [15/09]: Guess where I'll be on Saturday 19th February 2005...! R.E.M. UK 2005 Tour Dates - all tickets go on sale this Saturday, 18th September at 9am, and cost £35. Sweeet!! For all the tour dates view this R.E.M.hq update.

Via R.E.M.hq:

"R.E.M. will do an interview with Johnnie Walker on his BBC Radio 2 show tomorrow evening (15 Sept), 5-7pm GMT. If you visit BBC Radio 2, you can submit a question which just might get selected and asked to the band during Johnnie's program."

If my question is selected, you'll hear about it - trust me.

UPDATE [15/09]: I recorded the interview as an mp3, if you're interested in a copy let me know and I'll upload it here.

Also via R.E.M.hq:

"Michael has made the cover of the latest Rolling Stone in a special issue called "The Photographs - The Fifty Greatest Portraits & the Stories Behind Them.""

I thought I'd linked to it before but as it turns out I haven't: be sure to check out Rolling Stone magazine's Covers Gallery, browseable by year. As a band, R.E.M. have appeared on the cover 5 times. And Sissy Spacek appears on the cover on my birth date.