BBC HomeExplore the BBC
This page has been archived and is no longer updated. Find out more about page archiving.


Accessibility help
Text only
BBC Homepage

Contact Us

Like this page?
Send it to a friend!
 

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.

Related Pages

 

I was there

  • 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.

White Light, White Heat - Art Rock 1966-1980

The rise of alternative rock in the USA.

 

Have Your Say

Disclaimer: The BBC will put up as many of your comments as possible but we cannot guarantee that all e-mails will be published. The BBC reserves the right to edit comments that are published.

  • 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 windebelgium

    Marie- Irvine, California
    A life changing event even for those of us in diapers when it happened... Best band EVER!



About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy