R.E.M.

Possibly the most famous worldwide export of Athens, Georgia, R.E.M. have thrived for nearly 25 years and, in the process, become one of the few bands to make the jump from college underground to mainstream favorites.

I have enjoyed their music since I was first forced (!) to listen to a new album called Murmur all the way through by an old friend of my youth, Mike Mann, in 1983. I asked him to leave the record with me, and I listened to it, voluntarily, another five times that day. I was hooked.

Instead of the usual bunch of links that I have on these topic pages, I thought I'd scan in some of my memorabilia from those early years (and a few later). I hope you enjoy them. I received them in the years noted. Some of the download times may be a little longer than you'd like, but I wanted you to be able to read the text on these.

• First picture sleeve from Christmas Fan Club package, 1988
  I have almost every fan club mailing since 1985. Songs: Parade of the Wooden Soldiers & See No Evil. ©R.E.M., 1988
  
  
• Tower Records Pulse! tabloid, 1986
  The band on the front cover. Article covering release of Lifes Rich Pageant. Great photo. ©Tower Records, 1986.
  
  
• Backstage passes:
  1985 All Access
  1987 After Show Hammersmith Odeon, London
  1995 After Show Desert Sky Pavilion, Phoenix
  
  
• Poster for Los Angeles show, 1984
  I managed to find this cardboard poster recently for the the first R.E.M. show I ever attended. The interesting part was that Michael Stipe performed most of the night sitting on a tall stool because he was injured. "I put my foot in the ocean, and the ocean bit me back," was his explanation. I hear it was from a surfing accident. ©R.E.M., 1984
  
  
• Cover of itinerary for U.S. Tour, part I, 1985
  I found that I have 4 of these old itineraries. Great pieces of history. In the lower part of the map you can just make out Philomath. ©I.R.S. Records, 1985
  
  
• Flyer for pre-release listening party for Fables of the Reconstruction, 09 June, 1985
  I can't believe I still have this flyer, and it's in perfect condition. I have a very vague recollection of attending this event. ©I.R.S. Records, 1985
  
  
• Merry Crimble from Peter Buck, 1986
  Christmas fan club mailing. These gems were always full of fun surprises. ©R.E.M., 1986
  
  
• Work gloves. Promotional item, 1985
  These gloves kept better than I have. They look brand new. ©R.E.M., 1985
  
  
• Postcard announcing release of Green, 1988
  I've received a lot of postcards through the fan club, and they're always colorful and interesting. ©R.E.M., 1988
  
  
• Assorted pins from Green tour, 1989
  ©R.E.M., 1989