The year was 1989. Spazzing out inexplicably was de rigueur. Something happened at the REM concert at the Salt Palace ("Acord Arena") which simply and thoroughly blew my mind. I didn't know what was happening, how, or why. I found this video the other day. Yes, yes, a thousand times yes, Michael Stipe hitting a metal chair with something wooden for the song "World Leader Pretend" is still awesome.
I don't know how Michael Stipe thought of doing this or why he has to fight so hard to not sever his head with the stick in the middle of the song, but I do think the world is a better place for that metal chair and for Michael Stipe hitting it with something wooden that is, in retrospect, obviously a 10 3/4 Blackthorn wand with dragon heartstring core.
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Since Michael Stipe is the greatest ever, of course he would invent a new musical instrument. The breakup of REM was one of the saddest moments of my life.
ReplyDeleteListening to this song transported me to being 15, wearing birkenstocks (back in style--I'm OLD), and riding around in a VW van with my friends every weekend.
ReplyDeleteI'm missing your posts. You okay?
ReplyDeleteMe too. Would love to read more by you.
ReplyDelete