I live in Dallas and have seen r.e.m. twice. I can say that they are by far the best live band in the world. Being a collector of r.e.m. shows i've been able to listen to them play in many different venues, big and small. I've heard them play in many different cities whether it be Los Angeles California or Farmingdale New York. When you've heard them in so many different places, you can start to pick out the ones that it seems like they favor. Sometimes this is based on the venue, sometimes on how mcuh the owner of a club wanted them to play or would pay them (in the early days), but most of the time it was based on the crowd. I can say that Ottawa is probably not there favorite place to play (see The R.E.M. Timeline 1985 section for further explanation). Overall i'd like to say that they like to play in Texas more than most other places, but I can't. Here is why: 1983 Air Force Witchita Falls 1983. Well, I won't get in to much detail, but lets just say in an interview, Peter said that they booed so loud that they came out for an encore! Fair Park Bandshell Dallas 1986. Stage so small you could practically walk on it. Packed General Admission crowd that wouldn't stop pushing. Stipe kept having to tell the crowd over and over again to step back. Some places, based on the mood of the show and how much they play there and stuff like that, are places that they probably like to play. Oklahoma City The Bowery 1984. Packed general admission crowd that kept pushing. But instead of saying step back, Stipe says after the second song: Okay we're taking requests tonight (after a few requests someone shouts let us on stage) Stipe: Okay you guys can get on stage. Anyway, I just find it interesting that sometimes they play in front of the worst crowd in the world and keep having to tell them to step back and stuff, and other times they's play for the worst crowd in the world, and invite them to dance on stage. Anyway, that's my opinion. If you have anything to say about the discusion please leave a comment!
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well written. rem is super. i have seen them twice, too. both times were great. they play a long, complete set and definitely give you your money's worth.
ReplyDeletei will continue to follow your blog because it is rem licious.