Michael Stipe sings “These Days” and “The Great Beyond” for the first time in 12 years
Renowned musicians Michael Stipe, Michael Shannon, and Jason Narducy recently delivered a memorable performance at Brooklyn Steel in New York for Shannon and Narducy’s third-annual R.E.M. tribute tour. The concert represented a significant event in the duo’s celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of Lifes Rich Pageant. As the performances unfolded, they wowed the audience with impressive renditions of classic tracks, featuring fresh touches that captivated the crowd.
Kicking off the night, Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy, alongside their talented band members, captivated the audience by performing Lifes Rich Pageant from start to finish. The show evolved into an eclectic mix of 13 additional tracks from R.E.M.’s varied discography, including both popular hits and rare gems. From classics like “Gardening at Night” to lesser-known tracks like “Crush With Eyeliner,” the band effortlessly maneuvered through the songs, showcasing their musical prowess and leaving fans in awe.
In a remarkable moment, Michael Stipe graced the stage for the first time in years to join the band in performing two iconic songs, “These Days” and “The Great Beyond.” Stipe’s rare presence added an air of excitement and nostalgia to the night, as he mesmerized the audience with his soulful renditions. Describing the experience as surreal, Stipe expressed his amazement at hearing his songs being performed by such talented artists, emphasizing the significance of the moment.
When asked about his song choices for the evening, Stipe revealed that he selected “These Days” for its poignant chorus that resonated with the current times. The reflective lyrics, “We are young despite the years/ We are concern, we are hope despite the times,” struck a chord with the audience and encapsulated the spirit of the night. Following this emotional performance, Stipe transitioned seamlessly into “The Great Beyond,” a track from the Man on the Moon soundtrack that had not been heard live since 2008.
The evening culminated in a rousing encore featuring six tracks, including the energetic “Star 69,” leaving the audience in high spirits. Last year, Shannon and Narducy’s Fables of the Reconstruction tour saw several surprise appearances from R.E.M. members, culminating in a memorable reunion at the 40 Watt Club. The impromptu performance brought together Stipe, Mike Mills, Buck, and Bill Berry, delighting fans and reinforcing the band’s enduring legacy.
Looking ahead, Shannon and Narducy’s Lifes Rich Pageant tour will continue its musical journey, promising more unforgettable moments for fans. To catch this dynamic duo in action, audiences can find tickets and additional information on concertedefforts.com. Meanwhile, Michael Stipe recently released a new single, “I Play the Fool,” in collaboration with an array of talented artists. The song, featured as the theme for the HBO series Rooster, reflects Stipe’s ongoing musical evolution and commitment to artistic expression.