100 replies to this topic

[The Wrong Child]

iskra, on 22 January 2011 - 07:59 PM, said:

I think a farewell tour would be a bit tacky, but I think it would be a giant kick in the balls to their supporters if they were to quit without giving them one last tour.

And who better to deliver that kick than Peter Buck ... ka-POW!

I have faith that they'll tour again - and I'm sure that when they do it, it will be for the fans specifically, rather than any "obligation" per se.  Once they do eventually announce the "No Collapsing Onstage Allowed Tour" - whether that be months or a few years from now - then the conversation will shift more towards "they still have it" vs. "they've lost it" and "is this it?" and "they're hinting at retirement - look at this quote!", etc.

Until then, I'll be content with what is shaping up to be a stellar album, and looking forward to footage from their promo appearances, and of course the music videos.

[blueshades87]

*sigh*

Do you recognize the madmen who are yelling in the streets?


They're under no obligation to tour. Believe me, it would suck so bad if I never got to see them live again but it is what it is. They're wonderful artists, fantastic people, and a good band. But stop thinking they're not human, please. They've earned the right to do what they want now.

[Osyth Ann]

I tried to post this yesterday but must've lost it somehow.

I just wanted to agree with those who recognise REM are real people, with real lives.  Like others in their fifties they have ageing parents and might not want to commit themselves to a tour for that reason.  They don't have to tour anymore after all.

Of course, I'd love to see them again: they really are amazing live.  Maybe they will do a few concerts somewhere and record them.

[heavensgate2024]

The Wrong Child, on 22 January 2011 - 11:36 PM, said:

And who better to deliver that kick than Peter Buck ... ka-POW!

I have faith that they'll tour again - and I'm sure that when they do it, it will be for the fans specifically, rather than any "obligation" per se.  Once they do eventually announce the "No Collapsing Onstage Allowed Tour" - whether that be months or a few years from now - then the conversation will shift more towards "they still have it" vs. "they've lost it" and "is this it?" and "they're hinting at retirement - look at this quote!", etc.

Until then, I'll be content with what is shaping up to be a stellar album, and looking forward to footage from their promo appearances, and of course the music videos.

I wonder if they'll even be doing promo TV appearances like they did for Accelerate. Nothing's been announced thus far. They didn't do any circa Around the Sun if memory serves, but quite a few for In Time.

[fanfan]

R.E.M. have toured quite extensively in the past decade, and as much as I'd love to see live shows, if they decide there won't be a tour that's an understandable decision.

They are only trying to not get us bankrupt again.  

But I'm hoping at least for some promo shows or just something.

[Red1]

Bloody hell this is such a depressing thread! Folks, they haven't confirmed anything yet (apart from Peter's musings) and it strikes me that considering the nature of the more acoustic melodies coming from this album I don't think I'd want to stand in a crowd of thousands with the vast majority bellowing for Losing My Religion. I think Peter summed it up nicely around the time of the release of Automatic saying that he didn't think people neceaasrily wanted to see him sitting on a seat playing a mandolin. CIN is a small (very small) venue type of album in my opinion. Not stadiums, not even the Royal Albert Hall. Olympia in Dublin capacity - venues like that possibly. I wouldn't be surprised if they did a few one-off shows in intimate venues, but not a thunderous tour. Doesn't suit the album.

[heavensgate2024]

Red1, on 23 January 2011 - 11:09 AM, said:

Bloody hell this is such a depressing thread! Folks, they haven't confirmed anything yet (apart from Peter's musings) and it strikes me that considering the nature of the more acoustic melodies coming from this album I don't think I'd want to stand in a crowd of thousands with the vast majority bellowing for Losing My Religion. I think Peter summed it up nicely around the time of the release of Automatic saying that he didn't think people neceaasrily wanted to see him sitting on a seat playing a mandolin. CIN is a small (very small) venue type of album in my opinion. Not stadiums, not even the Royal Albert Hall. Olympia in Dublin capacity - venues like that possibly. I wouldn't be surprised if they did a few one-off shows in intimate venues, but not a thunderous tour. Doesn't suit the album.

Nah, the album's got plenty of rockers and mid-tempo numbers. Nothing like Automatic and Out of Time. Would sound great in bigger venues, I think.

[Driver Nate]

Red1, on 23 January 2011 - 11:09 AM, said:

Bloody hell this is such a depressing thread! Folks, they haven't confirmed anything yet (apart from Peter's musings) and it strikes me that considering the nature of the more acoustic melodies coming from this album I don't think I'd want to stand in a crowd of thousands with the vast majority bellowing for Losing My Religion. I think Peter summed it up nicely around the time of the release of Automatic saying that he didn't think people neceaasrily wanted to see him sitting on a seat playing a mandolin. CIN is a small (very small) venue type of album in my opinion. Not stadiums, not even the Royal Albert Hall. Olympia in Dublin capacity - venues like that possibly. I wouldn't be surprised if they did a few one-off shows in intimate venues, but not a thunderous tour. Doesn't suit the album.

Did you not see the very first post in this thread (which is what everyone here is replying to)?

So it comes as no surprise since we haven’t heard anything about it, anyway, but the official word is R.E.M. is not touring with the new record, “Collapse Into Now,” due out March 8. The ever lovely Bertis Downs, R.E.M. manager, said the simple answer is the band doesn’t tour with every album and this is one of those cases.

As I've mentioned previously, even though this appears on the blog of Julie Phillips, the Features/Arts & Entertainment editor for the Athens Banner-Herald, it has not been reported by any other news services, REMHQ or even the Murmurs News page. Not that it isn't true, but for something that is being reported as "official" by Ms. Phillips, it seems more than a bit odd that this story hasn't been picked up by any major music sites. So, in what capacity is it supposed to be "official"?

In regards to the album not fitting a live setting, have you not read this quote from Peter Buck as reported by New Musical Express?

"I'd really like to do it, but we've toured a lot, so we'll see. What I will say is that when Eddie Vedder was listening to a playback of the album he said, 'This would be great to take on tour'. But we'll see.

[Avalon]

They are only trying to not get us bankrupt again.

I should amend my "glass half-empty" statement to say that the above quote gave me a glass half-full idea. Instead of bemoaning a lack of a tour this time around, I shall now instead view this as an opportunity to put away more money towards seeing more shows on the next tour (whenever that may be).  

[sciryl2K]

Avalon, on 23 January 2011 - 06:14 PM, said:

They are only trying to not get us bankrupt again.

I should amend my "glass half-empty" statement to say that the above quote gave me a glass half-full idea. Instead of bemoaning a lack of a tour this time around, I shall now instead view this as an opportunity to put away more money towards seeing more shows on the next tour (whenever that may be).  

Avalon, I raise my glass to your optimism. A full glass, by the way : )

[mem_ory]

I saw them last on their UP tour.  They played at a large, open air amphitheater to about 15K fans.  That was pre-2K when they were still riding the mainstream successes of Losing My Religion and Man on the Moon.  Now, I suspect that they are weary of playing to half-empty auditoriums.  Tours are a lot of work-- with the current economy and an aging fan base, they probably would rather save their energy.  I'm sure they'll hit the road again but they want the circumstances to be right.  If Collapse Into Now goes platinum here in the US we'll probably see a tour with the next record.

[3am]

Driver Nate, on 23 January 2011 - 05:33 PM, said:

Did you not see the very first post in this thread (which is what everyone here is replying to)?

So it comes as no surprise since we haven’t heard anything about it, anyway, but the official word is R.E.M. is not touring with the new record, “Collapse Into Now,” due out March 8. The ever lovely Bertis Downs, R.E.M. manager, said the simple answer is the band doesn’t tour with every album and this is one of those cases.

As I've mentioned previously, even though this appears on the blog of Julie Phillips, the Features/Arts & Entertainment editor for the Athens Banner-Herald, it has not been reported by any other news services, REMHQ or even the Murmurs News page. Not that it isn't true, but for something that is being reported as "official" by Ms. Phillips, it seems more than a bit odd that this story hasn't been picked up by any major music sites. So, in what capacity is it supposed to be "official"?

In regards to the album not fitting a live setting, have you not read this quote from Peter Buck as reported by New Musical Express?

"I'd really like to do it, but we've toured a lot, so we'll see. What I will say is that when Eddie Vedder was listening to a playback of the album he said, 'This would be great to take on tour'. But we'll see.

The voice of reason, as always.  And I totally agree with your earlier post about The Baseball Project.  Go see them and you'll most likely get a chance to to talk to Peter.

[Discoverer]

3am, on 24 January 2011 - 05:35 AM, said:

The voice of reason, as always.  And I totally agree with your earlier post about The Baseball Project.  Go see them and you'll most likely get a chance to to talk to Peter.

I saw peter play with Robyn Hitchcock in Tucson. it was the coolest experience. I stood about 5 feet in front of his amp. There were maybe 50 people at the show...I suggest this to any rem fan as well. I got to shake Peters hand and say Thankyou. Something at an REM show would have never happened

[Red1]

Driver Nate, on 23 January 2011 - 05:33 PM, said:

Did you not see the very first post in this thread (which is what everyone here is replying to)?

So it comes as no surprise since we haven’t heard anything about it, anyway, but the official word is R.E.M. is not touring with the new record, “Collapse Into Now,” due out March 8. The ever lovely Bertis Downs, R.E.M. manager, said the simple answer is the band doesn’t tour with every album and this is one of those cases.

As I've mentioned previously, even though this appears on the blog of Julie Phillips, the Features/Arts & Entertainment editor for the Athens Banner-Herald, it has not been reported by any other news services, REMHQ or even the Murmurs News page. Not that it isn't true, but for something that is being reported as "official" by Ms. Phillips, it seems more than a bit odd that this story hasn't been picked up by any major music sites. So, in what capacity is it supposed to be "official"?

In regards to the album not fitting a live setting, have you not read this quote from Peter Buck as reported by New Musical Express?

"I'd really like to do it, but we've toured a lot, so we'll see. What I will say is that when Eddie Vedder was listening to a playback of the album he said, 'This would be great to take on tour'. But we'll see.

Fair enough. I'm still thinking CIN would be best in small venues. But that's probably because I remember being surrounded by tossers in the airfield that is Twickenham stadium during the Accelerate tour.

[sewayland]

Nobody sould be upset or disapointed with the band.  this is hard work.  They needed a break.  they will be back.

Love R.E.M. for what they have given us, not what we won't get this year.

[ReynoldsREM]

auctioneer69, on 22 January 2011 - 07:00 AM, said:

I wonder how many of the people who are ok with REM not touring have actually seen them live? Because I don't think many who have would be so blase.  

Everyone here just seems to be ok with REM being a part-time job at best for its members.  If being REM is now more an obligation for the band as opposed to a passion it's really time for the band to call it quits. I mean - what's the point?  An album every three years and a tour to support every second album just seems too much like taking the piss.   It would be nice to get at least a few festivals out of the band but obviously that's too much for some or all members who'd rather be doing something else.  

My main point again is this: if REM can barely be bothered as a fan why should I be bothered enough to support them?

Oh man chill out and lighten up. You dont support them, you buy/listen to their music because you like their music! It is that simple!
Some people on here are just too deep! If REM dont wanna tour then fine. Im gutted as theyre awesome live and Id love to see them again but Im not going to cry over it, or burn their records in the street and refuse to buy any more of their material!


chill....

[sewayland]

@ auctioneer69:

I have seen REM play many, many times.

I am sad that they are not touring, but I understand.  This is NOT about US, it's about the band.

[fanofrem]

I'm only sad because I never seen them live before, so I hope they will take a final tour before they quit

[Harshil]

ReynoldsREM, on 24 January 2011 - 02:45 PM, said:

Oh man chill out and lighten up. You dont support them, you buy/listen to their music because you like their music! It is that simple!
Some people on here are just too deep! If REM dont wanna tour then fine. Im gutted as theyre awesome live and Id love to see them again but Im not going to cry over it, or burn their records in the street and refuse to buy any more of their material!


chill....

I think auctioneer69 is going through the 5 stages of grief, one hopes he will eventually reach the point of tacit acceptance...

[Magnetic_North]

Maybe they will tour, I don't think this is an official announcement. But even if they don't maybe they'll do a few intimate gigs in smaller venues.

Or an acoustic tour a la make it all okay, half a world away, you are the everything, perfect circle, uberlin etc
Or a Murmur or Collapse Into Now live gig where they play the album in a small venue like Ash did a few years ago.