R.E.M. form in Athens, Georgia
5 April 1980
Originally called the Twisted Kites, R.E.M. play their live debut at St Mary's Episcopal Church in Athens, Georgia to a rabble of 350 excited teenagers. Peter Buck (record shop clerk) and Michael Stipe (Student at University of Georgia) had been living in an apartment at the former church after deciding that they would form a band together. They then asked Mike Mills and Bill Berry who were also studying at the University to join them. Eventually the band would change their name to R.E.M. and immerse themselves in the US Alternative Rock scene or 'Underground'. They ended up on the same touring circuit as hardcore visionaries Black Flag.
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I was there
Related Programme
White Light, White Heat - Art Rock 1966-1980
The rise of alternative rock in the USA.
Have Your Say
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lucdewinde@skynet.be
apart from awe for the way you suelf righteously brought the series onto the screenand somehow my different looks upon the series as a geriatric hippie I would be very pleased if ever you could help me out on getting hold of the ages of rock on dvd great and abashing programmeperhaps I hear from you soonanyhow great and illuminatinga seven week nightmare of joywhich I want to relive again and sometime laterluc de windebelgiumMarie- Irvine, California
A life changing event even for those of us in diapers when it happened... Best band EVER!
Kathleen O'Brien
Friend of R.E.M.
It was her birthday party at the church where R.E.M. first played.
Sandra Lee Phipps
Photographer
Took the first shots of R.E.M. performing at the Church.