R.E.M. - Hyde Park

(Soundboard)

16 July 2005 - Hyde Park - London, England




REM in Hyde Park July 2005 - a gig that had to be postponed due to the London terrorist attack. Firstly - congratulations to the organisers, promoters and performers who were so quick to rearrange the concert in the light of the atrocities in the city on the 7th - they must have worked really hard to ensure that the REM gig went ahead in the end despite the devastation caused by the attacks. Also a very big thank you to the Showsec staff who handled stewarding and security at this gig - we think that it takes strength and courage to carry on regardless following such a major incident and to show that we will not be cowed and we will not be beaten. We also think that stewarding and security have a tough job to do at the best of times - their work has just got even harder - thank you all for turning up to work at such a difficult and uncertain time and for doing your bit in helping to keep us safe.As for the show itself? well - it's really, really rare that performers these days don't put on an amazing performance - and as you'd expect from a band of the calibre of REM they stormed it - an opening rendition of 'Bad Day' set the scene closely followed by 'What's the frequency Kenneth' certainly sent the crowd into a frenzy of anticipation from which the guys didn't disappoint. There was a really odd guest appearance by Patti Smith to duet on 'E-bow the letter' the sound was awful - the mike was at the wrong height and she couldn't be heard - the crowd still seemed sympathetic and forgiving though. For a little over two hours Michael Stipe's raw energy and passion was breathtaking to watch - and boy - was he in good voice - the rendition of 'Leaving New York' and 'Everybody Hurts' was stunning - making the hair on the back of your neck stand up and leaving you with a tingle at the lyrical quality and what it evokes. A great lights and video show thoroughly complimented the on stage activity - through to the totally scintillating 'Orange Crush' colour co-ordination. There were just too many show stopping moments to isolate any one as being the one that stood out above any others - 'Losing my Religion' and 'End of the World' and of course 'Man in the Moon' were delivered - and boy were they delivered! The fabulous and evocative "Nightswimming" was saved for the encore (well - what passes for an encore these days!) with Stipey sitting on Mills's piano before sliding off and giving him a snog! Stipey's blue stripped appearance for this tour added to the sense of theatre and nodded in the direction of the bizarre yet beautiful which perhaps best sums up this enigmatic, talented and unique individual - 'it's the end of the tour as we know it' he said - we can't wait for the next one.
-Music Not Mayhem

01 - What's The Frequency, Kenneth?
02 - One I Love
03 - Drive
04 - The Outsiders
05 - Leaving New York
06 - Everybody Hurts
07 - Electron Blue
08 - Final Straw
09 - Orange Crush
10 - Walk Unafraid
11 - Losing My Religion
12 - Man On The Moon

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