Michael Stipe's Rare R.E.M. Performance
Michael Stipe took the stage at Brooklyn Steel to perform "These Days" and "The Great Beyond" with Michael Shannon's R.E.M. tribute act — his first live R.E.M. renditions in nearly two decades. This marks only Stipe's second time joining this tribute project in two years.
The tribute band, fronted by actor Michael Shannon and indie-rock veteran Jason Narducy, was on a tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of R.E.M.'s 1986 album, "Lifes Rich Pageant." Stipe's appearance at the Brooklyn Steel show on March 7, 2026, was a surprise to the audience. This marked the third consecutive year that Shannon and Narducy have toured to honor an R.E.M. album's 40th anniversary, having previously celebrated "Murmur" and "Fables of the Reconstruction." The project has gained the approval of R.E.M. members, who have occasionally joined them on stage. In 2025, Stipe himself joined the tribute for performances of "Pretty Persuasion" in both Athens, Georgia, and Brooklyn. Other R.E.M. members like Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry have also made guest appearances at various shows. Before these recent guest spots, Stipe had largely avoided performing R.E.M. songs live since the band's final concert in Mexico City on November 18, 2008. The band officially and amicably disbanded in 2011 after a 31-year career. While the full band has remained firm on their decision not to reunite for a tour, all four members did perform an acoustic version of "Losing My Religion" in June 2024 when they were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The backing band for the tribute project features a lineup of seasoned musicians, including drummer Jon Wurster and bassist John Stirratt. The Brooklyn Steel show was opened by comedians Bobcat Goldthwait and Eugene Mirman.
