Michael Stipe of R.E.M. sang “These barricades can only hold me for so long”, this set the tone for the rest of the show. The barricades actually held him for the better part of three seconds before he let loose with the usual Stipe antics. Antics that include running around the stage, shaking his body uncontrollably, and systematically undressing himself.

The September 30, R.E.M. GREEN concert opened with “Stand.” It wasn’t the greatest song to open with but they had to do it sometime. They probably wanted to get it over with early. Stipe came out in a large white suit with a dark hat and sunglasses on. It was quite a sight to see.

They slowed the tempo down to do an acoustic version of “The One I Love”. This acoustic version lasted through one chorus before Bill Berry, drums, jumped in and accelerated it back to full tempo.

It was looking like I was in for a “Green” and “Document” show. I was surprised as anyone when I heard the opening guitar for “So. Central Rain”. R.E.M. looked in old form for this classic. The fourteen year-old screaming girls behind me did look mighty baffled at this strange song. More than once I overheard them questioning the origin of these alien tunes.

Being one of the more activism-minded groups today it was no surprise that they dedicated their next song to the Exxon Corporation. “Inside Out” was the accusing song , I’m sure you can make the connection. This dedication did draw a cynical yet positive response from the audience.

The cynical activism did continue with “Exhuming McCarthy”. This song has been a recent staple in their menu. I’ve seen this song performed numerous times and everytime it gets better. Peter Buck, guitar, discards his usual inanimate pose for a reckless frenzy of jumps, kicks and uninhibited frollicking with the audience.

After a brand new song Berry whips into a virtual whirlwind of hypnotic rythyms accompanied by Buck kneeling in front of his amp, producing some of the best feedback since Bob Mould , of Husker Du. This frenzy ended when those three magical notes from Buck’s guitar escaped, everyone knew what was coming, “Feeling Gravity’s Pull”.

One of my favorite songs is “Cuyahoga” from “Life’s Rich Pagaent”. I have not seen this song performed since I saw the “Life’s Rich Pagaent” show so it was a welcome surprise to hear.

This show was filled with many surprises as evident in the previous account. From “Cuyahoga” they slid right into “Sitting Still”, from Murmur. It was apparent that 70% of the audience didn’t have the faintest clue what song it was.

The surprises were getting better and better every song. Right after “Sitting Still” they ripped through “Pretty Persuasion”. At this point I was foaming at the mouth hoping to God that they would do a couple of songs from the “Chronic Town” e.p. Unfortunately I wasn’t to be so lucky this night.

Fortunately they did do “I Believe”, a favorite of R.E.M. fans everywhere. Stipe encouraged the crowd to follow his lead as he raises his right arm during the chorus. It was quite a sight to see thousands of people sing along and act with Stipe.

For those of you die-hard fans, Buck played a starburst Les Paul, a black Rickenbacker, and a white hollow-body Rickenbacker.

Alright, let’s get back to the show. They also ran through “Life and How to Live It”, “Get Up”, “Pop Song 89”, “You Are the Everything”(which was dedicated to the audience, nice touch Michael), “Begin the Begin”, “King of Birds” and “Fall on Me”.

For the final encore they played “Perfect Circle” to a worn-out crowd, exhausted by the energy produced in one of the better R.E.M. shows since they hit the big-time.