In a moment that R.E.M. fans have been waiting over a decade for, all four original members of the band unexpectedly shared a stage—thanks to actor Michael Shannon’s tribute project.
The impromptu reunion happened Thursday night at the legendary 40 Watt Club in Athens, Georgia, during a performance by Shannon and musician Jason Narducy, celebrating the 40th anniversary of R.E.M.’s Fables of the Reconstruction.
What started as a cover of Pretty Persuasion from 1984’s Reckoning quickly turned into something bigger. First, Michael Stipe joined Shannon on vocals. Then, Peter Buck stepped in with his guitar. Soon after, Mike Mills added harmonies, and Bill Berry rounded things out on tambourine.
Shannon, wearing shorts and a t-shirt that read No one left behind, traded verses with Stipe, who showed up in beige, tinted glasses, and a beanie. Aware of the significance of the moment, Shannon told the crowd, “And now, at long last, the final member of the quartet joins the stage, and the mystery is complete.”
Watch the video below:
This was only the second time since R.E.M. broke up in 2011 that all four members played together. The last time was in 2023 at their Songwriters Hall of Fame induction, when they briefly reunited to perform Losing My Religion.
Shannon—best known for films like Revolutionary Road and Take Shelter—has been making a name for himself in music, teaming up with Narducy, an indie rock staple who’s played with Bob Mould and Superchunk.
Jason Narducy & Michael Shannon
At a previous Athens show earlier this year, Buck, Mills, and Berry had individually performed with Shannon and Narducy’s band, while Stipe simply watched from the sidelines. This time, though, he took the mic.
While R.E.M. have made it clear they have no plans to reunite officially, this surprise moment suggests that, at the very least, there’s still a strong camaraderie between them. And for fans, that’s enough to keep the dream alive.
The tour continues with a second night in Athens tonight.
