R.E.M. continues to defy expectations with another unexpected reunion, this time at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Georgia. The legendary band, known for its profound influence on alternative rock, took the stage once more alongside actor Michael Shannon and musician Jason Narducy, who have been performing full-album tributes to the band’s catalog.
Last year, Shannon and Narducy toured with a live rendition of Murmur, R.E.M.’s debut album, and their stop at the 40 Watt Club led to an unplanned moment when all four original R.E.M. members appeared on stage together for the first time in 17 years. The event marked a rare moment of public collaboration, though they stopped short of a formal reunion.
Fast forward to this week, and history repeated itself. Shannon and Narducy, now touring with a tribute to Fables of the Reconstruction, returned to Athens. This time, the band’s guitarist Peter Buck and longtime touring member Scott McCaughey joined them in Portland ahead of the 40 Watt performance. However, the real highlight came on Thursday night when all four members of R.E.M. unexpectedly stepped onstage together once again, this time for a full-band performance.
Throughout the 32-song set, the R.E.M. members gradually took the stage in an impromptu manner, culminating in frontman Michael Stipe’s entrance. Dressed in a bold ensemble, he joined Shannon for a rendition of Pretty Persuasion from the band’s 1984 album Reckoning. Bill Berry and Peter Buck were already in place, and Mike Mills made a surprise dash to the stage to add harmonies, catching the rest of the group off guard. The moment was met with an outpouring of excitement from both the musicians and the audience.
The setlist also included guest appearances from Patti Smith guitarist Lenny Kaye, who contributed to a pair of Velvet Underground covers, and comedian Dave Hill, who joined in for Aerosmith’s Toys in the Attic to close the show.
Shannon, visibly elated by the experience, expressed his disbelief at what had transpired, capturing the energy of the night in a way that resonated with fans.
While in Athens, Shannon and Narducy also took time to visit notable sites connected to R.E.M.’s storied history. The duo is set to return to the 40 Watt Club for another performance, leaving fans wondering whether the magic will strike again. The band acknowledged the uncertainty on Instagram, hinting that anything could happen during the second night’s show.