This would be R.E.M.'s first show after the election. I can't even imagine how the band, as well as any other musician involved in the Vote For Change Tour, were feeling, two days after the election. So I wasn't expecting a party or a powerhouse, and I didn't get either. But they got up on that stage tonight and played for all they could muster and for all they were worth. Madison Square Garden or not, at times they each looked dejected, tired, dispirited, and I don't know who could possibly blame them. But equally, at other moments it seemed like the music was pulling them up and giving them strength.
Everyone was naturally curious how Michael Stipe would address the election outcome, and the answer was clear when the band walked out and opened with "It's The End of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)." Usually, this song is a silly, goofy, crowd participation number; tonight, it was grim and determined, but still with a fair amount of humor. The song ends, and it seems as though Stipe is going to say something; instead, the band slams into "Begin The Begin" from Lifes Rich Pageant: "Silence means security, silence means approval..." and suddenly this song is far more political than I ever thought to consider.
Third song, and still no comment from Michael - it looked at times as though he thought about saying something, and him and Peter Buck were talking to each other off mic between almost every song. This time, "So Fast So Numb," which exactly described how many people felt Tuesday night: "So fast, so numb/that you can't even feel."
"This song takes place in Tennessee," was a preface to "Boy In The Well" - a literal reference but also reminding the audience of electoral votes. When the next number was "Welcome To The Occupation," it was clear that Stipe probably wasn't going to directly address the political situation tonight, and that the setlist would be speaking for them quite adequately.
Article comments
1 - tim smith
Oh! How I feel sorry for big time millionaire rock stars. If you get your opinions from musicians, your stupid.
Don't tell me how to vote!! Just shut up and play your guitar!!!
2 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
heh.
3 - Eric Olsen
Caryn, super, perceptive review, and while I have very mixed feelings about rock stars using their music to support specific candidates, I can also understand and empathize with disappointment. Thanks and welcome!
4 - Caryn Rose
Amazing how people never seem to consider that people can have opinions of their own. I was a liberal when I was protesting the Vietnam war at the age of 7. Of course, those who disagree always throw the charge of "getting your opinions from rock stars"...
5 - MT
Times change, tastes change, they had their day in the sun. Now they're a notch down from where they were -- and a 2nd tier level band -- still
good but no longer the rage.
6 - The Dude
Wow, lot of hostility there, eh, Timmy boy?
Look, this is for all those who say that rock stars should "shut up and play guitar":
When you go to a concert, you don't pay to listen to music; you pay to watch a performance. If you just want to listen to music, stay home and put on a CD.
If you go to a show, you should know that every performance is different; it may not be what you expected, but that's the point. That's the price you pay for seeing a show.
And Timmy, if you are so adamant about "rich rock stars," then don't buy the artists' merchandise. REM is doing okay, and they don't need your support.
Oh, by the way, great review, Caryn.
7 - begin
saw the show, review sums it up well. I don't understand the hostility towards rock stars (or celebrities in general) giving political opinions. Last time I checked, they were citizens first and performers second. You are perfectly free to evaluate their opinions or simply ignore them.
8 - Mark Saleski
it's ok for musicians to give opinions....as long as it's the "god bless america" and "support our troops"-type stuff.
;-)