You've probably seen this before, being the articulate, well-read, well-versed consumers of all things pop-cultural that you are. But I'm going to post it anyway, because I love it. This is the first TV appearance anywhere, ever, for R.E.M. on Letterman, all the way back in October 1983.
They run through Radio Free Europe first, then, after a brief interview by Dave in which Peter and Mike do all the answering whilst Michael sits out of shot, they run through a new song, as yet untitled. "Too new to be named," quips Dave. It turns out to be So. Central Rain and is so new that Peter fluffs a chord change about 70 seconds into it.
Anyway, the picture quality isn't great but I love this. The sound has been cleaned up, at least. I think what I like most about the clip though is the interview section in the middle. Peter and Mike seem bright and alert, quick to answer, innocent and keen ... at this stage they have not already been asked every question you can possibly imagine a thousand times over. Oh to be young and excited and looking forwards...
You are very good at finding such clips. Right at the start of it all when Michael still had lots of wavy hair.
ReplyDelete"Oh to be young and excited and looking forwards..." - Indeed!
Indeed. Though a photo of a similarly coiffured Michael on the inlay of, I think, Dead Letter Office is captioned, "They airbushed my face."
DeleteSo young and fun. Saw them on this tour in the US, opening for the Police.
ReplyDeleteI am envious of seeing that double- bill!
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