When R.E.M. took the stage in the waning moments of a Jones Beach lightning storm late Saturday night, it was a scientific fact: There was electricity in the air.
“Welcome to R.E.M. Survivor 2008,” singer Michael Stipe said, as sheets of rain fell on the already-drenched crowd. The band ditched its regular opening, as Stipe broke into the Creedence Clearwater Revival classic “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” followed by a stunning version of the R.E.M. classic “So. Central Rain” and it became instantly clear that this was going to be a show fans brag about for decades to come.
Anticipation was already high for the show, its first area appearance since releasing its return-to-form album “Accelerate,” but the battle against the elements (and an hour-long rain, er, lightning delay) brought the best out of the band and the crowd. Once R.E.M. roared through “These Days” and Stipe pretended to be electrocuted when he grabbed the mic stand, everyone shifted into high gear.
Despite the rain, the sound was excellent and Stipe was in fine voice the entire evening – so was bassist/backing vocalist Mike Mills, for that matter – even as they all negotiated puddles on the stage and tried not to fall down or get electrocuted for real.
The fieriness of the “Accelerate” songs – especially the usual set-opener “Living Well Is The Best Revenge” and the snarling glam-rock gem “Man-Sized Wreath,” which Stipe dedicated to “the pathetic George Bush” – fueled inspired versions of the band’s classics. (The weather was apparently the inspiration for hauling “It’s the End of the World As We Know It” off its tour-long hiatus.) Guitarist Peter Buck is masterful with both swaggering rock anthems, including “What’s the Frequency Kenneth?” and “Orange Crush,” and meticulous ballads like “Losing My Religion” and the newly acoustic “Let Me In,” but he seems to be enjoying rocking out more these days.
When The Smiths’ great Johnny Marr, now playing with opener Modest Mouse, took the stage next to Buck for a gorgeous version of “Fall on Me” and “Man on the Moon,” it was a thrill to see indie rock’s two most influential guitarists had only gotten better – something that could also be said for R.E.M. as a whole.
SETLIST: Have You Ever Seen the Rain? / So. Central Rain / These Days / Living Well Is The Best Revenge / What’s the Frequency Kenneth? / Man-Sized Wreath / 1,000,000 / Ignoreland / Hollow Man / Welcome to the Occupation / Houston / Electrolite / Horse to Water / The One I Love / Let Me In / Bad Day / Orange Crush / I’m Gonna DJ / “ENCORE”: Supernatural Superserious / Losing My Religion / It's the End of the World As We Know It / Fall on Me (w/Johnny Marr) / Man on the Moon (w/Marr)
PHOTO: Michael Stipe at Nikon at Jones Beach Theater by Michael Ach for Newsday.
Comments (4)
That was an excellent review that captured the essence of the show. I saw R.E.M. at MSG the day after Bush was elected for Round 2 and it was definitely a more somber show. This show was electric (no pun intended). I agree with your comment that, "...it became instantly clear that this was going to be a show fans brag about for decades to come." This was a great show that my son and I thoroughly enjoyed the day before Fathers Day which we will remember for a long time.
Despite a wet and dreary evening, REM put on one hot and upbeat show! As usual Michael punctuated the night with political undertones that are right on the money. His references and beliefs were conveyed in a subtle matter and just added to the wonderful appeal of this timeless band. Over the years I’ve seen REM many times and Michael seems to relate and reach the audience a little more each time with his powerful messages conveyed through awesome music and lyrics. Words can not describe how amazing the concert was. When they played “Fall on Me” it just made my night! I can’t wait to catch them at the Garden on Thursday. All that is left to say is “Wow”.
Nice photo, Michael. I can't believe we survived the lightning. That was the most difficult time shooting I've ever had. I put up six images at flickr and Retna posted about 35.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27733753@N06/
Janene Otten
"Fall on Me," live????
Nice!