We saw R.E.M. at Portman Road, Ipswich Town's football ground last week.we bought the tickets ages ago, and I didn't think much of their last album, so I was less excited than I should have been, considering the price of the tickets (no, I'm not telling you, more than I would consider reasonable, but it was R.E.M. playing in Ipswich, Hev's home town, just before her birthday, we had to go...)
Anyway, after achieving the near-impossible task of parking, and having admired the alcohol gel in the port-a-loos (for cleaning your hands) we got to see the Zutons, who were pretty good.
R.E.M took to the stage about quarter to nine. They come up from London that day (this was the day after the bombs). The three of them stood together centre stage, and Michael Stipe read a brief statement from the band. I can't recall his exact words, but Bertis Downs summarizes it on their website thus:
"Michael read a statement of commemoration and expressed the hope that the music tonight could, as it often does, be a form of healing, of remembrance, of a celebration of life".
You may think that sounds corny, but you'd be mistaken, in fact you may even be made of stone.
They then played 'Everybody Hurts', a song I'm not usually that keen on, but very appropriate in the circmustances and it was very moving.
They then launched into their set proper with gusto. This was the fourth time I've seem R.E.M., the last time being when they played in Traflagar Square the anniversary of the end of apartheid in South africa. They were up for it that day and played a stormer. However, they surpassed themselves at Ipswich. R.E.M. put on an amazing live show when they're up for it, and they were up for it that night. Beris Downs also made the comment on their website that they played the best ever version of These Days that night. I would tend to agree, it was stormin'...
They also played a new song, which had a more upbeat live feel than the last album, which I hope indicates a return to form...
Thank you R.E.M, you played your hearts out in difficult circumstances, and spoke eloquently and movingly about tragic events so painfully fresh and present in everybodys' minds.
cracking gig guys...
Update
I've had a little google-rummage and found a tracklisting for the gig and transcript of the statement that Michael read out. Accuracy not guaranteed, but it all sounds about right:
'We came here today from London. It's an understatement to say that it's been a difficult couple of days for everyone. Music is about catharsis, about epiphany, about community, about celebration, about celebrating life. The intention here tonight and with this gesture is to honour them; not to forget but to remember, to remember the sanctity of life. Together we stand in celebration and rememberance.'
Everybody Hurts
Get Up
What's The Frequency, Kenneth?
Bad Day
The One I Love
The Outsiders
Drive
Wanderlust
Animal
So. Central Rain
Leaving New York
Electrolite
Electron Blue
These Days
Final Straw
Orange Crush
Walk Unafraid
Losing My Religion Encore
Imitation Of Life
The Great Beyond
(Don't Go Back To) Rockville
Nightswimming
I'm Gonna DJ
Man On The Moon
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