Patti with R.E.M. tonight at London's Hyde Park (July 16th, 2005)

[GordonComs]

12:26

Hello,
      Just to let you know that Michael Stipe invited special guest Patti Smith onto the stage half-way through R.E.M.'s last-night-of-the-tour set at London's Hyde Park tonight.

      Patti did vocals on 'E-Bow' but, to be honest, she didn't do them very well.  She didn't seem to remember the lyrics or when to come in so I'm not sure how much rehearsal was done.  

      It was great to see her again, although she appeared nervous and seemed to be chatting with Michael during the song.  Michael was obviously made-up that she was on stage and she looked really good.  So nice to see her smiling.

      R.E.M were pretty amazing, playing for just over 2 hours.  The show had been delayed for a week due to the London bombings that happened on July 7th.  No mention was made of this during the show, which was a bit surprising.

      R.E.M. were supported by Feeder, Idlewild and Jonathan Rice.  For me Idlewild were the pick of the bunch, but not by much, with a variety of songs ranging from 'punk-anthems' to 'soft-ballads'.

      Best wishes,
                  Gordon C (UK)