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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2007 > July > 06 > Entry
R.E.M. treating fans to taste of old, new
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Over in Dublin, Ireland, R.E.M. continues road-testing some tunes for the Athens-birthed act’s next album. Front man Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, touring guitarist Scott McCaughey and drummer Bill Rieflin’s public “rehearsals” at Olympia Theatre — a 19th-century music hall with a capacity of about 1300 — attracted sold-out lines of fans who have waited hours this week in miserable rain for day-of-show tickets.
Spin magazine reports that the band had flown in from Vancouver “where they’ve been working with producer Garret “Jacknife” Lee (U2, Snow Patrol, Bloc Party) on their follow-up to 2004’s “Around the Sun.” Following this week’s gigs, “the band will relocate to Grouse Lodge residential studios in the Irish midlands to finish the LP.”
Lead singer Stipe went as far as to apologize for wearing sneakers on stage, saying he wouldn’t do so at a “real” concert. Stipe sang while reading lyrics from a laptop set atop a steamer trunk onstage. Occasionally, he would scowl as he sang a verse. Sometimes he would rewrite the lyric on the fly and the band reworked previously performed sets as well.
The songs only have working titles so far, such as “Mr. Richards,” “Accelerate,” or “Until the Day Is Done.” Interspersed with the untested music, R.E.M. played some songs from their back catalog as “an olive branch” to fans, Stipe told the crowd.
But none were familiar hits. Instead, the band played rarely performed numbers such as “Harborcoat” from their 1984 release “Reckoning.”
But for a few hundred screaming fans, the rare songs added to the unique experience.
Locals in Dublin say that an R.E.M. concert at such a small venue is unheard of, particularly in a city where the band could sell out the local sports stadium. The old concert hall was packed full of die-hard followers marvelling at the sheer wonder of the moment. No one in the room was more than 30 yards or so from the stage.
We’re told that’s part of the reason the band came to Dublin, a band rep said after their July 4 concert. Dublin is familiar to R.E.M. and R.E.M. is familiar to Dublin. Dublin, however, allows the band to perform in a small venue without worrying about stepping on toes back home in Athens, excluding friends, or friends-of-friends.
A GROUP EFFORT TO BENEFIT CHARITY
In an unprecedented cooperative effort, virtually every major radio station in Atlanta will simultaneously raise money for the March of Dimes the morning of July 24. In an event dubbed “Breakfast for Babies,” each station will promote the charity event in their own special way using a common 1-800 number.
Many are currently finding breakfast spots to place their morning personalities. Star 94’s Tom Sullivan, for instance, will be at the White House restaurant that day collecting money.
“I think all of us put our individual agendas aside for the greater cause of the March of Dimes,” said Rick Caffey, general manager of V-103, WAOK-AM and Dave FM.
The only major metro station not on the press announcement is 680/The Fan. David Dickey, president and GM for the Fan, told Buzz Thursday the station will likely participate but needed more details.
RAY’S SET TO REOPEN
For Ray’s on the River enthusiasts who have been hankering for the eatery’s signature New Orleans barbecued shrimp and thick steaks, some appetizing news trickled into Buzz Central on Thursday. After a six-month renovation project, the longtime Sandy Springs eatery is set to reopen July 23. When the restaurant resumes operations this month, we’re told that diners can expect new water features at the restaurant’s interior and exterior entries, travertine flooring with mosaic accents, a temperature-controlled wood-clad wine wall, a dramatic liquor display at the back bar and custom iron chandeliers.
Oversize leather banquettes and vibrantly colored draperies will add a sense of intimacy. The restaurant overlooking the Chattahoochee River has also undergone extensive new landscaping outside.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“He was peaceful and kept to himself.” — Wrestler-turned-VH1 reality star Hulk Hogan in US Weekly on Chris Benoit, the WWE wrestler suspected of killing his wife and son before hanging himself last month.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Talk-show host Merv Griffin is 82. Actress-singer Della Reese is 76. Actor Ned Beatty is 70. Actor Burt Ward (“Batman”) is 61. Actor Sylvester Stallone is 61. Singer Nanci Griffith is 54. Rapper 50 Cent (right) is 31. Actresses Tia and Tamera Mowry (“Sister, Sister”) are 29.
Contributing: George Chidi, Rodney Ho and news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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