R.E.M.

Aging Popstar?

I saw R.E.M. the other night at the United Center. They’ve probably been my favorite band since I was about thirteen. I had a strange reaction though. I’m not thirteen anymore. And the three remaining members of R.E.M. aren’t exactly spring chickens themselves. My first reaction upon walking into the gigantic arena was, “Wow, they’re fan base is really old.” Failing of course to realize that I am part of that fan base and I am getting old. When they started off with “Finest Worksong” and ” Begin the Begin” I thought it was going to be a raucous night of comradery b/w the band and their fans all raging against the dying of the light. All of us remembering where we were when we heard “Life’s Rich Pageant” or when we discovered that there was more to rock music than synthesizers and hair gel. Funny thing was, no one remembered. Shira and I were giddy after the first two songs but no one else seemed to care. Their enthusiasm was saved for “Man on the Moon,” “Everybody Hurts,” even their new song “Bad Day,” (very reminiscent of “End of the World” by the way) bought more people to their feet than “Fall on Me.” But when I really realized I was an aging fan alone was when the band played “Shaking Through” and everyone headed for the restroom.
I guess their early fan base has moved on to other things like Pete Yorn and John Mayer, sugary sweet songs of love and loss. I guess all of our favorite bands get old. I do admire them for their staying power. I do still laugh at Stipe’s girations as goofy as they were fifteen years ago. I still tap my foot along with the masses. But the whole experience made me want to go to a rave, or to some bad 18 and over show where kids bang out three chord rock -n- roll. Maybe I’m just not well adjusted enough to the fact that I’m getting older. Maybe that means I’m immature. Maybe it means I’m nostalgic. Whatever it means, I’m happy I still feel it. I’ll see you when Kings of Leon come to town.
main set
1. Finest Worksong
2. Begin the Begin
3. So Fast So Numb
4. Drive
5. Animal
6. Shaking Through
7. Fall on Me
8. Bad Day
9. The One I Love
10. Imitation of Life
11. Daysleeper
12. All the Way to Reno (You’re gonna be a star)
13. I Believe
14. Losing My Religion
15. At My Most Beautiful
16. She Just Wants to Be
17. Walk Unafraid
18. Man on the Moon
encore
1. Nightswimming
2. Everybody Hurts
3. Electrolite
4. Get Up
5. It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)