Thursday night at the 40 Watt turned into a historic reunion for the members of Athens' beloved alternative band, R.E.M..
Drummer Bill Berry, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and lead singer Michael Stipe all joined Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy on stage last night at the 40 Watt for a performance of their song, “Pretty Persuasion”. Aside from their 2024 induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the band had not performed together since 2008.
Super-fan Shay Burdette was at the show last night and could not believe her luck, "It was amazing, it was just amazing. I'll never forget it, it was just pure joy. I'm just so thankful I was there!"
Oscar nominee Shannon and indie rock veteran Narducy are currently on tour paying tribute to R.E.M.’s album, “Fables of the Reconstruction,” which was recorded 40 years ago this week.
Shannon and Narducy have another sold out show at the 40 Watt tonight. On their instagram, REM hinted at a repeat, “Who knows what night two, tonight, will have in store…we’ve always known Athens is a magical place, but this is an evening we will not soon forget.”
