Just back from Tuesday night 'not a show'

Just back from Tuesday night 'not a show'

Just got back home from a fabulous night at the Olympia. And I have to say what a privilage it was to be there. Not sure if it was because I was dead centre, about 8 rows from the front and had a brilliant view, or what the band would say, but I thought all 5 guys on stage looked in top form.

Mike and Peter looked so young and energetic again. There were shades of the Mike Mills from the early REM videos as he bopped about like I have never seen. And Peter looked like a man unleashed. Bill Reiflin looked in his element. Michael was chatty, and witty ('We are REM and this is what we do - when nobody is looking') and in fine voice too.

All the new songs sounded pretty together (except maybe new song 4 tonight - Houston - probably an early WIP). I have to agree with other comments I have read, that it certainly fitted better with the older REM material. Most of the older stuff tonight came from Fables of the Reconstruction - including 'Kohoutek' which I can't remember ever hearing REM play live on any of the bootlegs I have. Can't wait for the album to hear how the polished versions of the new stuff sounds. Speaking of which, the sound was top notch in the Olympia. Loud and growling but my ears aren't ringing!!

Can't wait till tomorrow night...anyone going, make sure you buy your merchandise on the way in - 2 minute queue versus 30 min queue afterwards. The blue T-Shirt has the names of the 11 new songs (bar one which Michael has withdrawn - according to himself - something about him unintentionally stealing the lyric from the 'Friends' TV show theme song)

All in all - a really memorable night with my favourite band of all time!!