REM’s Michael Stipe covers John Lennon as part of Patti Smith support slot – watch

Stipe performed set of covers as he opened for Smith at the Beacon Theatre in New York last night (November 10)

Former lead singer of R.E.M, Michael Stipe was the surprise opening act for Patti Smith at her gig at the Beacon Theatre in New York last night (November 10).

During Stipe’s set he performed a string of covers from a range of artists, including Neil Young’s ‘Old Man’, The Doors’ ‘People are Strange’, Dave Berry’s ‘The Crying Game’, John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ and David Bowie/Mott The Hoople’s ‘All the Young Dudes’.

You can see footage of Michael Stipe’s performance below.

Advertisement

It’s not the first time Stipe has opened for Smith. Last year he appeared at her show at Webster Hall in New York, and the pair have collaborated a number of times in the past. Smith provided vocals on the REM track ‘E-Bow the Letter’ from their 1996 album ‘New Adventures in Hi-Fi’.

Both shows have provided a rare chance for fans to see the singer perform in recent years. Since REM’s split in 2011, their former lead singer has made only a handful of live appearances.

Stipe was most recently in the press following his decisive criticism of the use of an REM song in a rally for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Advertisement

Trump chose ‘It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)’ for the rally, much to Stipe’s chagrin.

Former bandmate Mike Mills tweeted the singer’s response: “Go fuck yourselves, the lot of you – you sad, attention grabbing, power-hungry little men. Do not use our music or my voice for your moronic charade of a campaign”.

You May Also Like

Advertisement

TRENDING

Advertisement

More Stories