I can’t imagine how hard they practiced for this performance. Absolutely perfect, both songs. REM was amazing, fully formed sound right out of the gate
They toured and performed live a lot during this time. And they played songs that hadn't been released, yet. So, they worked out the songs in live performances and generally knew the audience's reaction before releasing it. The other song they played that night was So. Central Rain, which was on their following album.
This music owned me when I was a teenager. I don't know that 43-year-old me would have appreciation for this song if I'd not first appreciated it with my 14-year-old ears.
@@JAWS-7675 "Et tu" means "And you too?" I suppose it's a bit old-fashioned now, but people used to say "et tu?" and "et tu, Brutus?", which comes from Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" when someone says something that they themselves think, believe, or wish they'd said. It's a kind of ironic expression of sadness and recognition. The original context in the play is a bit different but expressions evolve and, eventually, go extinct. Perhaps it's time to retire this one. I hope that explains it ok.
I'm a Fender guy, have a P & J, but always wanted a Rickie. But realistically, I don't need one. I can get that Rickie growl from my Jazz bass. But damn, they're gorgeous instruments. People notice you when you're playing one.
I can’t decide whose playing was the tightest-Mills’, Buck’s or Berry’s. Truthfully, all four guys were on point; a very sold sound for live TV. I also liked how Letterman seemed to treat them well. But when he asked about the other notable talent emerging from Athens, nobody from REM was willing to mention the B-52’s. I felt an awkward sense of unspoken contempt, or, perhaps a rivalry.
I had to watch the vocal dynamics in and away from the mic to see if it matched the track (always the quickest tell, even with compression), and it definitely is legit. I almost doubted it because of how good they sounded for live tv in 1983, both in the mix and the performance. Those guys were (are) pros.
You can tell they were proud of this song...every reason to be so. The writing, lyrics...each member molded into this song perfectly. They knew they reached that magicical spot. (Radiofree Europe).
Loved this when I saw it live as a 15 yr. old and still love it now. Buck was such a spazz, but I really like his guitar style. And Mills was not only a terrific bassist but also a very good harmony singer. Letterman couldn't have been more gracious and respectful, but still Stipe had to be....Stipe at the time, which meant contrarian arrogant guy too cool to talk to the host. He's still a dick about being on the show.
I saw Michael refuse to name the show prior to playing "So. Central Rain" during the Austin show that's shared here on RUclips (Maybe Austin City Limits, I'm not sure). Why are you saying Peter is a "spazz"? (ugly word, to any one who has lived in Australia, anyways off topic....). Genuinely curious, is he unfriendly in person, and that's why you called him that? Edit: Here's the link to "South Central Rain" : ruclips.net/video/i_BKgHQMldY/видео.htmlsi=qitZFdL5FuaB-ALY. I love the way Michael doesn't mention David Letterman❣️ Ha ha ha 🤣🤣🤣
It was agreed beforehand that Letterman would only speak to one member of the band, which was Buck. He obviously chose to speak to Mills as well but none of this had to do with any of the reasons you cite.
I can’t imagine how hard they practiced for this performance. Absolutely perfect, both songs.
REM was amazing, fully formed sound right out of the gate
Very well said also very true
agree
They toured and performed live a lot during this time. And they played songs that hadn't been released, yet. So, they worked out the songs in live performances and generally knew the audience's reaction before releasing it. The other song they played that night was So. Central Rain, which was on their following album.
I love to see them have a lot of fun playing this song!!! I saw this vid 100 times and I don’t tire
The shyest front man of all time. Love this band so much since I heard the first note from them.
Saw them 8/18/83 at Shea Stadium!
It starts with a world-class drummer. Add equally bad-ass bass player.
What a rhythm section!!
How can someone explain REM... You just can't, they are forever forward and timeless - like thought!
This was fantastic. Thanks!
Liked them. Then they played So. Central Rain live on Dave. Game changer, my favorite band ever!
One of the greatest ever!
This music owned me when I was a teenager. I don't know that 43-year-old me would have appreciation for this song if I'd not first appreciated it with my 14-year-old ears.
Et tu?
"Owned me as a teenager"
I wish I'd written that.
@@mattgilbert7347 huh? What does that mean?
@@JAWS-7675
"Et tu" means "And you too?"
I suppose it's a bit old-fashioned now, but people used to say "et tu?" and "et tu, Brutus?", which comes from Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" when someone says something that they themselves think, believe, or wish they'd said. It's a kind of ironic expression of sadness and recognition.
The original context in the play is a bit different but expressions evolve and, eventually, go extinct. Perhaps it's time to retire this one.
I hope that explains it ok.
I memba watching this performance. It's all we talked about in high school how cool they sounded! They blew up huge after this great performance.
Just amazing how full their sound is with such a stripped down set up - 1 amp each!
Rickenbacker heaven!
Into a Fender, no less. I always think Rick+Vox was his sound, but he used many amps on the albums.
I'm a Fender guy, have a P & J, but always wanted a Rickie. But realistically, I don't need one. I can get that Rickie growl from my Jazz bass. But damn, they're gorgeous instruments. People notice you when you're playing one.
That hum during the interview between songs is the unmistakable sound of a Ric at idle. I have a '73 just like that one and it isn't quiet.
In 1993 Eddie Vedder looked like Michael Stipe in 1983
The Los Angeles Times was correct, that was one of the best releases of 1983.
now they can't anything right
I can’t decide whose playing was the tightest-Mills’, Buck’s or Berry’s. Truthfully, all four guys were on point; a very sold sound for live TV. I also liked how Letterman seemed to treat them well. But when he asked about the other notable talent emerging from Athens, nobody from REM was willing to mention the B-52’s. I felt an awkward sense of unspoken contempt, or, perhaps a rivalry.
All I could think about was how Letterman respected Michael Stipe's resistance to being in the spotlight. Dude was stealthy back there.
Dave mentioned the B-52's first
I had to watch the vocal dynamics in and away from the mic to see if it matched the track (always the quickest tell, even with compression), and it definitely is legit. I almost doubted it because of how good they sounded for live tv in 1983, both in the mix and the performance. Those guys were (are) pros.
I would have been scandalized to find they had used canned music, but it just sounded that good.
You can tell they were proud of this song...every reason to be so. The writing, lyrics...each member molded into this song perfectly. They knew they reached that magicical spot. (Radiofree Europe).
40 years ago today !!!
seeing them in 83 was fire 🔥
A group of us saw them perform the next day at the Ontario theater in DC. They played equally as well across a long set.
Buck and Mills exude coolness in this.
Love intro..
Best vocalist ever
Amazing set. I wonder what happened to them? 😅
Hall of Fame!!!!
ZEPPELIN THE Beatles Stones rEm my favorite bands!!!
One guitar flub at 7:18….amazing though. A brand new, untitled song on their national debut to their target audience. Guts!
AWESOME!
The sound was great that night
Berry & Mills (the latter being, apparently, 12 years old at the time) were in the pocket and then some
Mills will never look his age--even though he's grey now.
Mills pimpin the English Beat!
An old girlfriend suggested rEM stood for Radio Free Europe Music!!
Maybe...??
Love REM and Michael Stipe was so attractive.
Slow Musik Projekt
I mean this is the syart of one of the biggest American rockk bands.
I wonder if the boys got to meet Julia Child?
Loved this when I saw it live as a 15 yr. old and still love it now. Buck was such a spazz, but I really like his guitar style. And Mills was not only a terrific bassist but also a very good harmony singer. Letterman couldn't have been more gracious and respectful, but still Stipe had to be....Stipe at the time, which meant contrarian arrogant guy too cool to talk to the host. He's still a dick about being on the show.
I saw Michael refuse to name the show prior to playing "So. Central Rain" during the Austin show that's shared here on RUclips (Maybe Austin City Limits, I'm not sure). Why are you saying Peter is a "spazz"? (ugly word, to any one who has lived in Australia, anyways off topic....). Genuinely curious, is he unfriendly in person, and that's why you called him that?
Edit: Here's the link to "South Central Rain" : ruclips.net/video/i_BKgHQMldY/видео.htmlsi=qitZFdL5FuaB-ALY. I love the way Michael doesn't mention David Letterman❣️ Ha ha ha 🤣🤣🤣
It was agreed beforehand that Letterman would only speak to one member of the band, which was Buck. He obviously chose to speak to Mills as well but none of this had to do with any of the reasons you cite.
In interviews his band mates have said Stipe was incredibly shy. It was explained to Letterman and he left him alone. No disrespect.