Fishpond plays host to R.E.M. tribute act

R.E.M. fans are in for a treat when Stipe bring their tribute act to The Fishpond, Matlock Bath, on Friday, June 12.

Amidst the neon rush of 80s music, R.E.M. began. They were rock-boned and country-rooted.

In time, they would build a towering back catalogue that would reach from the addictive highs of Shiny Happy People down to the reflective darkness of Everybody Hurts, covering all else in between.

Any music fan will try to convert you to their music. An early R.E.M. album loaned to Stipe’s lead vocalist, Richard Southern, worked its magic and convinced him to make a first visit to see R.E.M. live.

“That was the best live performance, ever,” said Richard. “The music of R.E.M. left such an impression on myself that it will always be a part of my life.”

As an active, touring band Stipe have taken every opportunity to perfect these songs. The R.E.M sound began as guitar driven, unforced and intuitive and moved through the game changing Losing My Religion and then onwards. In performance, Stipe make R.E.M.’s charismatic music their own. Michael Stipe himself has said of Stipe: “These guys are awesome.”

For more, see www.thefishpondmatlockbath.co.uk/

Related topics: