We know that Sunday is the big R.E.M. reunion down in Atlanta (for their induction into the Georgia Hall of Fame, if you recall) but the band couldn't wait till Sunday to enjoy each other's company onstage. They made an appearance Tuesday night at Athens' 40-Watt club with ex-drummer Bill Berry where they played old-school R.E.M. tunes such as "Begin the Begin" and "So. Central Rain" then joined a slew of local bands for performances of other R.E.M. classics.
One time Stephen Malkmus played a solo show at New York's Knitting Factory and filled the set list with every freaking Pavement song we've been waiting to hear since 1999 when we realized the band was breaking up, and we weren't there. We feel a similar twinge at having missed this R.E.M. performance but at least - what with the three current members logging in studio time these days - we've got a good shot at a tour sometime soon.
