Michael Stipe Joins R.E.M. Tribute Band at Brooklyn Steel & Athens Shows

For the second year running, Michael Stipe surprised fans at a Latest York City indicate featuring a tribute to R.E.M., joining Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy’s project at Brooklyn Steel. Stipe performed “These Days” from the band’s 1987 album Lifes Rich Pageant and “The Great Beyond” from the soundtrack to the 1999 Andy Kaufman biopic, Man on the Moon, according to SPIN.

The appearance comes on the heels of a recent, impromptu reunion of the full R.E.M. Lineup in Athens, Georgia, at the 40 Watt Club, where Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry shared the stage for select songs over two nights in late February 2025. These gatherings signal a renewed warmth and collaborative spirit amongst the band members, even as their individual projects continue.

A Second Life for Lifes Rich Pageant

The choice of “These Days” is particularly resonant. Released during a period of significant artistic growth for R.E.M., Lifes Rich Pageant marked a shift towards more layered arrangements and politically charged lyrics. The song itself, with its melancholic melody and introspective lyrics, has long been a fan favorite, but rarely featured in the band’s later, larger-scale performances. Narducy explained to SPIN that Stipe initially considered simply attending the show, but ultimately decided to contribute vocally, performing the song twice during the set.

The inclusion of “The Great Beyond” further underscores the tribute project’s deep connection to the legacy of Andy Kaufman. The song, written specifically for the Man on the Moon soundtrack, is a poignant reflection on Kaufman’s enigmatic persona and his blurring of the lines between reality and performance. Kaufman, a comedian known for his absurdist humor and elaborate hoaxes, remains a cult figure, and the film, directed by Miloš Forman, cemented his place in pop culture history. The song’s lyrics directly reference elements of Kaufman’s career, including his Elvis impersonation and wrestling persona, as noted in the Wikipedia entry for “Man on the Moon”.

Athens, Georgia: A Homecoming and a Handed-Off Show

The recent shows in Athens, R.E.M.’s hometown, were particularly special. Following a February 27-28 run at the 40 Watt Club, the band members—Stipe, Buck, and Berry—were joined by bassist Mike Mills at various points, marking only the second time since 2007 that all four original members had performed together. Narducy opened for the first night, receiving a plastic trophy from Peter Buck, who, in a characteristically playful gesture, admitted to stealing it from a hotel shelf.

Narducy also highlighted a conscious effort to showcase female musicians during the Athens shows, with Linda Hopper of Magnapop performing “Me in Honey” and Vanessa from Pylon singing three songs solo. Michael Stipe’s sister even contributed viola to a performance of “Nightswimming.” This decision, Narducy explained, was a deliberate attempt to highlight overlooked aspects of R.E.M.’s musical landscape and to create a different energy than previous performances.

Deep Cuts and Dedicated Fans

The tribute project isn’t simply replicating R.E.M.’s greatest hits. Narducy emphasized that the setlists are carefully curated to include deeper cuts, songs that R.E.M. Themselves rarely played live. This approach, he believes, allows fans to rediscover the breadth and depth of the band’s catalog. Songs like “How the West Was Won,” “Lotus,” and “E-bow the Letter” – expansive, linear tracks that demand patience – are given a new platform, allowing audiences to appreciate their nuances.

The band has also been experimenting with arrangements, adding saxophone to “Fireplace” with Matt Douglas of Mountain Goats in North Carolina and Dana Colley of Morphine in Boston. This willingness to reinterpret the material, rather than simply imitate it, is a key element of the project’s appeal.

What’s Next for the Tribute?

The current tour is scheduled to wrap on March 16 in Bloomington, Indiana, but Narducy confirmed that the project will resume with dates in the U.K., Ireland, and the Midwest in September. The band is also considering performing R.E.M.’s 1991 album, Document, in its entirety, having already tested the waters with a performance of “Fireplace.” The decision, Narducy said, will depend on the band’s collective enthusiasm and the logistical challenges of bringing the expansive arrangements to life on stage. The project’s continued success, and the willingness of R.E.M. Members to participate, suggests that this tribute is more than just a nostalgic exercise. it’s a celebration of a band that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences today.

The ongoing collaboration, and Stipe’s continued involvement, hints at a potential for further R.E.M.-related activity, though any formal reunion remains unconfirmed. For now, fans can enjoy these intimate performances and the opportunity to hear their favorite songs reimagined by a group of dedicated musicians.