A Night of Reverent Reconstruction: Michael Shannon & Friends Breathe New Life into R.E.M.’s Legacy
A palpable sense of gratitude filled the air at The Garage in london on August 22, 2025. Michael Shannon, alongside Jason Narducy and a collective of friends, didn’t just play R.E.M. songs; they meticulously and lovingly reinterpreted them, offering a fresh outlook on a beloved catalog. This wasn’t a tribute act aiming for replication, but a genuine conversation with the music itself.
The setlist was a masterclass in deep cuts and thoughtful sequencing. Rather than leaning heavily on the band’s biggest hits, Shannon and Narducy delved into the rich tapestry of R.E.M.’s discography. Early gems like “Chronic Town” and energetic renditions of “1,000,000” and “Gardening At Night” set the stage.
They weren’t afraid to explore the more obscure corners of the band’s work either. Sublime tracks from New Adventures In Hi-Fi (“New Test Leper”), Monster (“Let Me In”), and Up (“Daysleeper”) were given room to breathe and resonate. Even a song R.E.M. themselves reportedly struggled to recall, “Romance” from Made In Heaven, was delivered with a fiery energy.
Populist choices weren’t absent, but they were purposeful. “World leader Pretend” felt particularly poignant, acknowledging its continued relevance. A punchy take on “Radio free Europe” was cleverly reframed as a protest against the organization’s dismantling. “Cuyahoga” was presented as a tantalizing preview of a potential Life’s Rich Pageant tour, sparking excitement among the audience.
The performance wasn’t simply about note-for-note accuracy. It was about understanding the emotional core of each song and finding new ways to express it. Consider the hushed, acoustic rendition of “So. Central Rain,” beautifully interwoven with lines from Peter Gabriel’s “Red Rain.” This wasn’t imitation; it was inspired reimagining.
You could feel the genuine respect and affection for the material radiating from the stage. It wasn’t just a concert; it was an act of artistic preservation and celebration. The evening culminated in a shared feeling of thankfulness – a sentiment felt by both performers and audience alike.
This wasn’t just a performance; it was artful reconstruction, proving that great music can be endlessly reinterpreted and rediscovered.
Here’s a look at the setlist from that unforgettable night:
Feeling Gravity’s Pull
Maps And Legends
Driver 8
Life and How To Live It
Old Man Kensey
Can’t Get There From Here
Green Grow The Rushes
Kahoutek
Auctioneer (Another Engine)
Good Advices
Wendell Gee
Femme Fatale
Romance
strange
New Test Leper
Bandwagon
1,000,000
Gardening At Night
World Leader Pretend
Moral Kiosk
Daysleeper
Sitting Still
Cuyahoga
So. Central Rain
Crazy Radio Free Europe
Let Me In
* Pretty Persuasion
this performance wasn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It was a testament to the enduring power of R.E.M.’s music and the artistry of those who continue to find new ways to connect with it. if you have the chance to experience a performance like this,don’t hesitate – you won’t be disappointed.
