April 5, 1980 marked the very first time Bill, Peter, Mike and Michael took the stage together in Athens, GA. It has almost been 30 years since R.E.M. made its debut, and the Classic City is ready to celebrate with two very special events! To commemorate the 30th anniversary of R.E.M.'s first performance, the Athens Welcome Center & Classic City Tours are offering an Athens Music History Tour this weekend only! The Tour, beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and again on Sunday, will depart from the Athens Welcome Center. Local "scenester" Paul Butchart will lead the tour, exploring the sights and sounds that cultivated Athens' rich musical heritage, with an emphasis on R.E.M.'s early days in Athens. Stops will include the Murmur trestle, the "Sidewalk of the Stars," among other musical points of interest. Tickets are $15 per person. Space is limited! Please call 706.208.8687 (toll free: 866.455.1820) to make your reservation.
The Melting Point is hosting a "birthday party" this Friday night called R.E.M. 30, and you are invited! Acquaintances and long-time friends of R.E.M. will perform R.E.M. songs that mean the most to them. Musicians including Casper & the Cookies, Supercluster, John Keane, VieTNam and the HEAP will grace the stage. Mitch Easter, a huge contributor to the band's earliest recordings, and B-52 members Cindy Wilson and Dana Downs will also perform. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
Happy 30th boys- we look forward to celebrating in your honor!
