Athens, Georgia via Tel Aviv – REM says goodbye

September 22, 2011 - 9:11 AM by

REM's Michael Stipe and Radiohead's Thom Yorke in Ramat Gan comparing hummus joints.

The news that famed American rock band REM had decided to disband after 31 years may not seem have much relevance for Israelis, but the relationship between the band, and especially its enigmatic singer/lyricist Michael Stipe, and our Middle East abode was full of affection.

The Athens, Georgia indie rock pioneers only performed here once as far as I can tell – in 1995 in Ramat Gan with opening honors provided by none other than Radiohead (a dream matchup). But Stipe evidently is very fond of Tel Aviv, its ambiance and nightlife.
He’s been sighted more than once on vacation on his own in the city and I remember reading an interview with him in which he revealed that he had written a song (wish I could remember which one) while sitting on the terrace of his Tel Aviv hotel room and staring out at the Mediterranean Sea.

Tel Aviv also provided the inspiration for another REM song – “Disappear” from the album Reveal, which name dropped the city.

‘I was at a rave in Tel Aviv,” Stipe told an interviewer in 2001. “ It was four in the morning, I was next to the sea, it was beautiful, 2,000 people jumping up and down, lights, the whole thing. And there I am. And this kid came up to me and he said, “What are YOU doing here?” ‘ Stipe laughs, acknowledging the incongruity of the situation. ‘And I said, “I came to disappear.” ‘

With one of the greatest bands in the world finally laying down its arms, hopefully Stipe will have more time to disappear into our culture and soak up the Tel Aviv sun.

This is one of the most scintillating songs REM created, and I offer this clip – their first US nationally televised appearance in 1983 – here as a tribute:

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Tags: • Category: A New Reality, Entertainment, General, Holidays, Life, Music, Pop Culture, Travel 

Comments

4 Comments on Athens, Georgia via Tel Aviv – REM says goodbye

  1. Brian Blum on Fri, Sep 23rd 2011 9:05 AM

    2. As one of Israel’s biggest REM fans (who was there at that 1995 show), I am bummed to hear they’re breaking up…now. A few years ago, when they were producing middle-of-the-road drek (with the occasional chestnut thrown in) I would have been OK. But the last two REM albums have been much more of a return to form – especially the most rcent which even has mandolins and jangly pop again! Oh well, we always have the Decemberists to remind us of what REM once was.

  2. Karin Kloosterman on Fri, Sep 23rd 2011 10:31 AM

    3. I am honestly surprised they lasted this long.

  3. Nicky on Sun, Sep 25th 2011 8:05 AM

    4. I was at that 1995 show and while REM were good, it was the first time I’d heard Radiohead, and I was just blown away.
    They were really incredible. They actually put REM into the shade.

  4. Lisa on Mon, Sep 26th 2011 1:04 AM

    5. Jealous that you guys got to see both bands on the same bill. Someone recently told me what song it is. I can’t remember though.

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