Early R.E.M. footage

[Verbow]

From Consequence of Sound - http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/11/w ... g-in-1981/

Looking for a fix of R.E.M. sans weird-ass visuals from James Franco? Then check out this rare footage of the band performing in Atlanta way back in February 1981. As Slicing Up Eyeballs reports, the clip comes from the archives of Athens, GA’s Wuxtry Records — where Peter Buck worked and met Michael Stipe — and captures a moment in time when the band was still relatively unknown, opening for Joe “King” Carrasco at the 688 Club. Coming 18 months before the release of their debut EP Chronic Town, the setlist features a mix of future classics (“Radio Free Europe”, “Gardening at Night”), covers (“Rave On”), and rarities (“Narrator”, “Dangerous Times”). Watch the 40-minute clip below.

Youtube won't embed the video so click on the link above to see it. Good stuff.

[Sandusky]

Spied this earlier. Pretty amazing footage.

[bltkmt]

Love that version of Gardening...got an amped up groove there, Mikey.

[Nortwoods]

Damn. They were fantastic right out of the chute.

[Bowood]

Damn. They were fantastic right out of the chute.

Yeah no kidding. Was there anything as good as this coming out of the post-punk scene in London or Liverpool or Manchester ? A couple of bands maybe, and Morrissey's front room. That exquisite jangle n' bass was already all over Echo & The Bunnymen's debut album in 1980. Most of the good stuff in the UK was just not as good as this.

[Charks]

Damn. They were fantastic right out of the chute.

Yeah no kidding. Was there anything as good as this coming out of the post-punk scene in London or Liverpool or Manchester ? A couple of bands maybe, and Morrissey's front room. That exquisite jangle n' bass was already all over Echo & The Bunnymen's debut album in 1980. Most of the good stuff in the UK was just not as good as this.

Gang of Four and PiL had it going on during this timefix...but yeah I'm loving this early r.e.m. footage. Quick pace and edgy.

[Rick V]

That's incredible footage. I always wished that I had been lucky enough to see R.E.M. live when they played clubs.

Back in the late 80s I can remember talking to a few people who had seen them circa '82-'85 and they raved about what a great live act they were at that point. When R.E.M. transitioned to larger venues their songs/art did not benefit from it imo. They were not a very good live act once they hit large venues - unlike U2 who definitely benefitted from it.

[Bowood]

I saw U2 when they were promoting their first album, must have been about 13/14 yrs old, they were amazing and I was a huge fan until War and then I wasn't. But that early gig was killer. No baggage, just punching it from start to finish, adrenaline and sweat. The future hugeness was all there and they wanted it bad. Bono was everywhere, and seemingly at the same time. Where is he ? There ! No there ! Behind You !

[Sandusky]

I saw U2 when they were promoting their first album, must have been about 13/14 yrs old, they were amazing and I was a huge fan until War and then I wasn't. But that early gig was killer. No baggage, just punching it from start to finish, adrenaline and sweat. The future hugeness was all there and they wanted it bad. Bono was everywhere, and seemingly at the same time. Where is he ? There ! No there ! Behind You !

Cool story. I'd kill to have seen U2 back then.

[Bowood]

my mind is going...I was 16, prepared to move on a little from Elvis and Black Sabbath