Michael Stipe appears with R.E.M. tribute project in New York

Michael Stipe surprised the crowd at Brooklyn Steel by singing "These Days" and "The Great Beyond" with Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy's R.E.M. tribute project; the tour runs through March 16 and is scheduled to resume in the U.K., Ireland and the U.S. Midwest in September.

Michael Stipe made a surprise appearance with Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy's R.E.M. tribute project at Brooklyn Steel in New York. He sang "These Days" from Life's Rich Pageant and "The Great Beyond" from the Man on the Moon soundtrack. The tribute aims to faithfully reproduce R.E.M.'s songs, including deep cuts as well as hits. The touring ensemble also features musicians such as Jon Wurster, John Stirratt, Dag Juhlin and Vijay Tellis-Nayak. What we know: - Michael Stipe appeared at Brooklyn Steel and performed "These Days" and "The Great Beyond." - The tribute project, led by Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy, focuses on faithful arrangements and deep cuts from R.E.M.'s catalog. - The touring lineup includes Jon Wurster, John Stirratt, Dag Juhlin and Vijay Tellis-Nayak. - R.E.M. members Peter Buck and Bill Berry guested during a recent two-night run at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Ga., and earlier Feb. 27-28, 2025 shows featured appearances by Stipe, Buck, Berry and Mike Mills. - The current tour wraps March 16 in Bloomington and is scheduled to resume with dates in the U.K., Ireland and the U.S. Midwest in September. Summary: The project's careful reproduction of arrangements has drawn positive feedback for spotlighting lesser-known R.E.M. songs as well as familiar tracks. The tour will continue through March 16, with additional dates planned in the U.K., Ireland and the U.S. Midwest later in the year.