October 13, 2003 12:00 AM ET
R.E.M. wrapped up its twenty-eight-date fall tour in Atlanta on Saturday night, but it was the second to last date, October 10th in Raleigh, North Carolina, that drew the most attention, as the trio was joined on stage by co-founding member Bill Berry.
Earlier that evening, singer Michael Stipe had dedicated two songs to "Mr. William T. Berry, our Number One fan." During the encore, Berry was coaxed into singing background vocals on "Radio Free Europe," before climbing behind the drum kit to back his former bandmates on one of their earliest songs, "Permanent Vacation," an outtake from the sessions for 1983's Murmur. Berry subbed for Bill Rieflin, who began working with the group earlier this year.
The appearance was Berry's first with the band since he retired in 1997. His departure followed a troubled 1995 tour behind Monster during which the drummer required emergency surgery after he suffered a brain aneurysm. He remained with the band for its 1996 release, New Adventures in Hi-Fi, before retiring to his Georgia home, where he has kept a low profile since.
Having closed out dates for their American tour behind the upcoming compilation In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1993-2003, R.E.M. will head to Europe for two weeks of promotional duty for the album. The group has also been working a new studio set due next year.
To read the new issue of Rolling Stone online, plus the entire RS archive: Click Here
-
-
MOVIES 'Star Trek' Is Crazy Good -
-
POLITICS No Price Big Banks Can't Fix
Picks From Around the Web
blog comments powered by Disqus
Daily Newsletter
X
We may use your e-mail address to send you the newsletter and offers that may interest you, on behalf of Rolling Stone and its partners. For more information please read our Privacy Policy.
Most Popular
Photos & Videos
Go To Content
Random Notes: Hottest Rock Pictures
Go To Content
Gallery: Summer Tour Preview 2013
