Michael Stipe & Karen Elson - Ashes to Ashes (David Bowie cover)

Michael Stipe & Karen Elson sing David Bowie's "Ashes to Ashes" with Paul Cantelon on piano at Carnegie Hall.
John Michael Stipe is an American singer, songwriter, film producer, music video director, and visual artist. He was the lyricist and lead singer of the alternative rock band R.E.M. from their formation in 1980 until their dissolution in 2011.
Karen Elson is an English model, singer-songwriter and guitarist.
lyrics :
Do you remember a guy that's been
In such an early song
I've heard a rumour from Ground Control
Oh no, don't say it's true
They got a message from the Action Man
"I'm happy. Hope you're happy, too.
I've loved. All I've needed: love.
Sordid details following."
The shrieking of nothing is killing me
Just pictures of Jap girls in synthesis
And I ain't got no money and I ain't got no hair
But I'm hoping to kick but the planet is glowing
Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junkie
Strung out in heaven's high
Hitting an all-time low
Time and again I tell myself
I'll stay clean tonight
But the little green wheels are following me
Oh, no, not again
I'm stuck with a valuable friend
"I'm happy. Hope you're happy, too."
One flash of light
But no smoking pistol
I never done good things
I never done bad things
I never did anything out of the blue,
Want an axe to break the ice
Wanna come down right now
Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junkie
Strung out in heaven's high
Hitting an all-time low
My mama said, "To get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom."
My mama said, "To get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom."
My mama said, "To get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom."
My mama said, "To get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom."

[@praxisvoiceworks]

A eulogy for Bowie in his own words delivered with respect, sorrow and addoration. Simply breathtaking.

[@andreahegarty9262]

After all these years, this beautiful rendition still makes me cry! Stunning performance and a wonderful tribute ❤

[@alma7556]

The most wonderful Bowie cover ever! Michael Stipe put his heart and soul into this performance. Truly wonderful! I get goosebumps every time I hear this performance. I believe that David would be truly delighted!

[@timcolivet7343]

@@alma7556 I think Bowie would be turning in his grave to know that Stipe had murdered his song.

[@npd6225]

@@timcolivet7343agree.

[@frankd.4528]

Captures the pure poetry in the lyric of this song.

[@rosemariemorelliartstudio995]

I'm amazed by some if these posts by folks who totally don't get Michael Stipes' genius in delivering this performance. Beautiful and soulful beyond words

[@eleetse6701]

Yes. Love the interpretation. Brilliant

[@patriciajackson2565]

It's absolutely beautiful!

[@negativezero3107]

pfft overthought whispering gas bag shite, Mike is better than this, he is not shit, this is though

[@professormause]

I'm' amazed your amazed...... everybody maze maze err it is OK not to like this

[@Mondsorge]

People have different opinions and taste in music, you know…

[@poodlygirl]

Was fortunate enough to be at this tribute concert, in the third row. It was extraordinary and one of the most beautiful performances I've ever seen.

[@joedambrosio5423]

If this doesn't stop your day, nothing will. Simply amazing.

[@lukaslipajev5070]

Stipe is literally channeling Bowie.. Truly spiritual experience at all!

[@timcolivet7343]

@@lukaslipajev5070 that's the most pretentious crap that I've ever read. To each his own. I find this cover offensively bad.

[@lukaslipajev5070]

@@timcolivet7343 with my pleasure. :)

[@ola6695]

Bin seit über 40 Jahren ein totaler Bowiefreak, und Michael Stipe ist auch ein großartiger Sänger. Und das er nun ausgerechnet Ahes to Ashes singt hat mich sehr berührt. Denn es ist das erste Lied was ich von Bowie hörte . This Version is wonderful , love it ...❤️

[@pogofig]

I’m so moved by this. What a beautiful perfect expression of this incredible song.

[@gary2kr1]

Wow. Just wow. I'm blown away. I'm gonna bet everyone at the show held their collective breath til this song was over so as not to miss a single note. Amazing.

[@npd6225]

You can’t hear the snoring?

[@SpleenOverseas]

Minimaliste et pourtant magistral...pure beauty Mr Stipe...delicate complementarity Miss...and that piano : so much space in perfect sobriety !

[@JF-kv1gm]

This is sublime. When I first saw it, immediately after the performance, it made me cry

[@julescisek4555]

been watching this for years - still nails me

[@stephanhaeke589]

just listened for like the 100th time? ;-) what a pearl!

[@cyberopbug]

To those who want to leave a negative reply, PLEASE NOTE: 1) This concert was given by different artists in tribute to David's passing. The mood was solemn, as we just lost "The Mozart" of our time 2) Each artist is allowed their "interpretation" of a song, the spirit in which it was written. If you never stepped foot on stage, written, produced, or performed a song, please think before leaving a negative reply 3)The song was played using only a piano and vocals, there are no rhythm instruments (drums etc). It's difficult to "come in" on time, with a song such as this, with varying tempo's. 4) Please be kind. We lost a HUGE talent, we miss you David

[@Phil_KaneONite_Wood]

Ngl, I don't actually like this version. This is my absolute favourite Bowie song. I get what they were trying to do (at least, I've got a vague idea 😆), and I totally respect and love the fact they tried to do something different to the song (which not enough covers do), but this is nowhere near the "Hendrix: All Along The Watchtower" benchmark. Much credit should go to Mr Stipe however. As awesome as Bowie is, he never managed a Beard THAT Majestic!

[@negativezero3107]

The only thing worse than this version is you trying to lecture people, sorry Mike, just a lazy take

[@professormause]

"U must and you and you will - I have said so...!" You sound like them talking statues. In some movie. I think. uhm ok i'm kindly telling you it was pants Bowie PLC might have an interest but I don't.

[@cigarmerchant2238]

@@Phil_KaneONite_Wood Sorry Michael but ZZZzzzz

[@timcolivet7343]

So in your view the only valid opinion of this dreadful erm.... Rendition?! Is one that heaps praise. Unless of course you have "stepped foot on stage, written, produced, or performed a song". I presume that you're still allowed to give a positive review without the former?

[@gary2kr1]

Oh and I almost forgot, that piano. Wow it hits you right in the feels

[@timcolivet7343]

Hits you right in the feels?! What the hell does that mean?

[@bowieaddict3178]

I'm bawling my eyes out. Love you David. xxx

[@wildrover9650]

Why are you bawling your eyes out? Get a grip...

[@homer5802]

When I was a teenager, songs like this were fun to listen to but didn't really have much real meaning. Now I'm 61 and I pay attention. The lyrics are powerful.

[@USFilm1]

ART. Tears in my eyes.

[@loladell8325]

So cool to watch Michael Stipe feel this song - it’s stunning ...and heartfelt ❤️

[@bichettevirgino6664]

Quel duo superbe génial merci d'exister Mike 😍😍😍😍

[@stevenmckamey5966]

Mike might have captured what Bowie was really feeling. 5 Star 5 Star

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

Michael Stipe is penetratingly beautiful. 💎

[@timcolivet7343]

Whatevs. Lol.

[@timcolivet7343]

What the hell does "penetratingly beautiful" mean? With respect, that sounds incredibly pretentious.

[@paulcresswell7777]

Oh my, for those couple of minutes the world was such a peaceful place... thank you Michael xx

[@rug4ru]

i`m crying i truely am

[@palka1961]

Love you Michael for this beautiful love energie.

[@frankehlert7828]

What a beautiful performance.

[@anamericanprayer1967]

Goosebumps 10+ gloriously executed

[@neilmaclean294]

I’d never have thought that I’d say of a Bowie song that a cover could rival the original … but this, amazingly does … well as close as is possible … 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇦

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

Chills the entire song

[@patrickdfoley9233]

What a great version

[@bartmarchal297]

Oh god, do i love this man!

[@michaeljacobsen94]

i just wanna cry. what a wonderful cover.

[@marcelpfeiffer6587]

what a great tribute, very touching!

[@peterquest6406]

Miss bowie,maybe he'll come back in another way.we all die,but we may return,who really knows.

[@wrose1454]

heartbreakingly beautiful!

[@mmv4920]

Maravilloso!!. Que bueno que subieron esta presentación with comentarios activados.

[@kraun67]

Bravissimi tutti anche la pianista, commovente.

[@tvc-1662]

Imagine this comment to be an eloquent and profound heaping of praise on this performance, for that's what it deserves. And that piano arrangement!

[@alessandromunno8860]

Vorrei conoscere le 42 persone a cui non è piaciuto questo omaggio di gran classe e di grande intimità...

[@vioricacandale7483]

Meglio di no 😏

[@aagtjesmid7216]

Wow!!! Stunningly beautiful!!!

[@MultiCappie]

"Want an axe to break the ice ... wanna come down right now."

[@xXTangleFireXx]

This is beautiful

[@freud242]

So beautiful. I could break down and cry

[@foxtrotvictorsix8996]

wonderful piano intro

[@dariobarone2978]

Il pezzo piu' bello che abbia mai sentito, e gia' l'originale era molto bello, pura emozione.

[@thomasargento8445]

Brillant

[@NaMe-uq7uh]

he reminded me of Peter Gabriel singing the musical box

[@patrotten1284]

Absolutely not. The musical box live version is so different. I love box

[@milart12]

This could have gone terribly wrong(I think some of the posters think it did) but I love it.

[@rossellacasati4383]

Niente togliere a Karen Elson, ma ciò che tocca Stipe diventa poesia pura, non vi sono dubbi è il più grande arista che la musica in quanto arte ci ha regalato ❤️

[@timh5962]

wow just stunning

[@sarascarpati887]

is it me, or he looks geniunely on the verge of tears here? it's kinda sad...

[@mauritszjack]

gorgeous!

[@jimmcclellan8891]

Simply beautiful.

[@timcolivet7343]

The stage whispered, pretentious din AND YET!!! The song still shines through but only just!

[@martinmontenegro504]

Que buena versión excelente

[@viorica1973]

Magic❤💓💔💕💖💞

[@magnusframptonsocialworkvi3198]

Amazing how Michael Stipe resembles Arvo Pärt these days, even the facial expressions match

[@tombrehony6277]

Excellent

[@jean-baptiste6479]

That's a sorry version of the song, very sad... Stipe had a capacity to make a different, joyful one for sure, but this one is intimate and beautiful Michael sounds like talking to the soul of David Bowie. He changed a lot his usual way of singing for that performance. Merci Michael Stipe

[@alexvan1622]

Wish Micheal do this song in the original version. With his voice ?, he would kill it. Please Micheal

[@rickwilliams7112]

that would be boring

[@asfan]

Awesome

[@edmartick]

So spiritual

[@mokuho]

Great!

[@paolomarinelli2294]

Simply great!

[@joetoe9207]

What a beautiful cover.

[@reneklerks33]

Thx for sharing. Love it!

[@johnunderwood3132]

I actually got a little upset. In a good way I guess. Love and miss Bowie!

[@antoniomonteiro6210]

Most touching!

[@azzumadottore]

Ciao iscritto + Super like 630 + campanella, bellissimo video un saluto grande da Roma ciao.

[@dr.paulj.watson4582]

Is that Mike Mills on piano? Wonderful.

[@henrisil]

FANTASTIC 💚

[@danielpayne500]

Classic

[@giuliana2610]

great...so sensitive...

[@jdjdkdjkdjdkdkdkdkdk5074]

Música sublime!! Saludos desde Quilmes argentina

[@bleckgilbert7875]

Bravo

[@richardbutler6371]

To all those without hearts or those with lead in both their ears and hearts. Those of you without souls but with the modicum of keyboard skill. The homage was not for your entertainment. Now, off you go and don’t come back. Cheerio

[@andreaprodan4432]

Stipe se hace el Robert Wyatt. pero...es una linda versión!

[@annabodecs6020]

Is this cover available somewhere other than KZbin ? I love it.

[@1Schnellbachniko340]

Super 👍 🙂 👍

[@lacasadipinta]

Di palissandro tant'è d'uopo il corpo mio se per costruire il sentire e lenire il patire s'infrange in mille...mie mille intenzioni passa incauto il forestiero e con incredula passione ...raccoglie

[@JTW3159]

WOW

[@driver8rws]

Are you SURE this isn't RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL?? Michael's arm movements and gyrations are the SAME as other videos here that claim to be from Radio City Music Hall

[@akischerokee]

R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe was among the performers at the Music of David Bowie tribute concerts that took place at New York's Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall on March 31 and April 1, respectively. He sang "Ashes to Ashes" along with Karen Elson and with Paul Cantelon on piano.

[@timmahg]

I need more cow bell!

[@andyanraharja2]

even better with this version, salud.

[@cabouqueiro]

Is there the full tribute concert edited?

[@daniellastuart3145]

these a real sadness about this version xx

[@christo792]

Yes. He's living too long.

[@jenniferjusth8035]

Sweet Baby Jesus, Hank is free :)

[@stephanmutschlechner5401]

🌹🌹

[@BASWELD]

The worlds just stopped..

[@rillloudmother]

I really wanted them to do ending in octaves a time or two...

[@melizanob2329]

👏👏👏👏👏👍

[@zt7489]

I like the piano and Karen, but Stipe reminds me of William Shatner on his Transformed Man album.

[@gottfurz]

He ain't got no hair

[@nzrdb6]

It relocated to his chin

[@vladmirstalin4020]

I kind of feel like the cover is too quite. Part of the Scary Monsters album is that it's meant to capture suffering and not many songs capture an individuals suffering as Ashes to Ashes (coming from Bowie's personal experiences with drug use and being the first to use Major Tom as a catalyst for Bowie's own development) part of suffering is it's never really quiet and the track displays that by being almost unstoppably loud.

[@vladmirstalin4020]

Miss Erika suffering can be quiet, but the song itself implied loud, painful suffering. It's a decent cover, I just think it could be a bit louder.

[@vladmirstalin4020]

Miss Erika I'd compare it to if someone had Lazarus with a tuba instead of a saxophone.

[@rickwilliams7112]

@@vladmirstalin4020 I think you are selling this performance well short

[@stevensmity8039]

.What an end. There was Somthing about lonely,ness . Ilive now to the to haer and the end. LIve and die on this day. Live and die on this day..

[@Crisis.Knight]

Sorry, but I have to put it 1.25 speed

[@billcowie]

Hilarious! Great job

[@unrealunreal7495]

la voce...a volte anche nella voce vedi in controluce il mondo...è raro qui è capitato

[@taffytop]

They've just done what Gary Jules did to Mad World