Michael Stipe Joins R.E.M. Tribute Live in NYC

For the second consecutive year, R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe surprised audiences by joining Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy's R.E.M. tribute project at New York's Brooklyn Steel. Stipe performed "These Days" and "The Great Beyond." This event comes shortly after R.E.M. members Peter Buck and Bill Berry guested with the tribute band in Athens, Georgia.

The project, which also features Jon Wurster, John Stirratt, Dag Juhlin, and Vijay Tellis-Nayak, has garnered positive fan feedback for its dedication to R.E.M.'s extensive catalog. They are lauded for performing deep cuts and lesser-known songs, showcasing the breadth of the band's work. The tour is scheduled to conclude on March 16 in Bloomington, Indiana, with further dates planned for the U.K., Ireland, and the midwest in September.