Haven’t posted here in a long time. Came across this today on YouTube, don’t think I’ve ever seen these pictures before of an 18yr old Michael Stipe performing. Incredible find:
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OMG there’s a bill post there showing that they were on the same bill as Rockpile (Dave Edmunds and Nick Lowe) who I saw in 1978 at Brunel University as an 18 year old. I can still remember running into the hall down to the front to get a great view ( my mates stayed further back- story of my life!). Nick Lowe had snakeskin Cowboy Boots on and I quite fancied him so spent a lot of time staring at his boots and floppy hair all night.as well as enjoying the great guitar work.Wish I could remember the setlist. RIP Dave Edmunds.
Dave Edmunds is still alive.
OMG you’re right. I read the newspaper report ( which reported his passing) which must have got it wrong or did I misread it- no I definitely read it but I think the offending paper went out with the recycling this week- a true lesson in “Don’t believe everything you read”:
“Reports of musician Dave Edmunds’ death are inaccurate. He experienced a serious cardiac event in late July 2025, during which his wife stated he briefly “died in her arms” before being revived. He is currently stable and recovering at home.”
What can I say? I’m so sorry (you can call me The Apologist- seriously). I now feel really awful. And there are countless times the newspapers report something as true and it proves to be false.
“The papers wouldn’t lie, I sigh, oh what more
It’s been a Bad Day…”
As a retired lawyer and R.E.M fan I should know better -although I guess it’s not wholly wrong if he “died” and came back to life (I know a bit about that she says , trying desperately to defend herself!).Thanks Jonathan.
No apology necessary. These days it’s more difficult than ever to discern truth from misinformation.
You’re not wrong. I’ve always had “1984” in my email address partly because of the George Orwell book (first published in 1945) . The vision of that man……
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That is a fantastic find, waitthinkfast. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I always thought REM was Michael’s first and only band. Amazing how his voice has stayed the same from age 18!
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If I’m not mistaken, he was also in a band called Gangster. He was definitely in a band called Tanzplagen as well.