Michael Stipe performed his first big concert since R.E.M.'s split in 2011 on Monday (Dec. 29), opening for pal Patti Smith. He performed six tunes - a mix of R.E.M. and covers - at New York's Webster Hall before Smith took the stage. The performance follows Stipe's appearance on CBS This Morning earlier this month when he said, "I think I'll sing again."
As Rolling Stone notes, Stipe performed cuts by Vic Chesnutt and Perfume Genius. He even dusted off his rendition of Smith's "Wing" before playing "Saturn Return" from R.E.M.'s 2001 effort Reveal.
"Patti asked me to talk a lot so that I could take up some time," Stipe said. He ended the surprise set with "New Test Leper" from his former band's 1996 album New Adventures in Hi-Fi.
Check out some audio from the show below, via Slicing Up Eyeballs.
R.E.M. recently released a monster box set, REMTV, that focuses on the group's music videos and television appearances. During his This Morning interview, Stipe talked about the 6-DVD collection.
"There are humiliating moments," he said. "There are terrible dips in taste. And then there are triumphant moments. It's the arc of an entire career. We grew up in public. You watched us learn how to right songs. You watched us be public figures."
He said it's hard for him to watch live shows and not want to perform.
"When I go to see bands live, that's when it's hard for me," he said. "I look up on the stage and I say, 'I wish I was there' sometimes. But I did that for 31 years. I gave everything I had to it. I gave myself completely. And I just needed to step away for a while. I think I will sing again. That's maybe an exclusive, but I think I will sing again."
When he was asked when he might return to singing, he seemed unsure, saying, "Not soon. Maybe. I don't know."
It's nice to have you back, Mike.
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