January 8, 2007 10:59

REM make surprise appearance in Oxford

The million-selling group debut new song

REM performed two songs at the Oxford Zodiac last night (January 7), when they made a surprise appearance at a gig by cult legend Robyn Hitchcock.

With singer Michael Stipe and bassist Mike Mills joining guitarist Peter Buck, who was performing in Hitchcock’s band, the Athens, Georgia, group ran through their 1996 track ‘Electrolite’, the as-yet unreleased live favourite 'I'm Gonna DJ' and a cover of The Byrds classic 'Eight Miles High'.

The superstar band were watched by Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke who was among those in the audience.

Hitchcock, together with his backing group The Venus 3, is currently touring in support of his new album ‘Ole! Tarantula’.

REM reportedly began work on their new studio album, the follow-up to 2004’s ‘Around The Sun’, in September last year.

Meanwhile, Hitchcock’s tour continues at the following venues:

Norwich Waterfront (January 8)
Birmingham Academy 2 (9)
Islington Academy (11)
Bristol Fleece & Firkin (12)
Manchester Academy 3 (13)
Sheffield Boardwalk (14)
Dublin Whelans (16)
Belfast Empire (17)
Glasgow Classic Grand (18)

For all ticket enquiries, go to NME.COM/Gigs.