Michael Stipe REM Interview: BBC 6 Music's 'First Time': Part 1

In this rare 2 part interview, Michael talks to Matt Everitt about the early songs that shaped his music outlook, his close relationship with Patti Smith, his desire to celebrate the concept of The Album in a broken market and how his band managed to maintain their status and one of the most esoteric groups ever, while also enjoying massive world-wide mainstream success. Also watch Part 2 of the interview - Michael talks about the album, Collapse into now - link below.
You can hear the full radio interview until 1pm on Sunday 24th April 2011 here: bbc.in/6MusicStipe
Add a comment and let us know what you thought of the video, we'll reply!

[@fred6059]

I know Michael's voice better than I know my own. It is the voice that gives me life

[@kevinpatrick499]

And a gorgeous voice it is Mr. Stipe ! U and ur band will always have a place in my heart ...

[@StratsRUs]

My fave singer. I don't buy the bass Vs guitar story but he is this brilliant performer.

[@Nigelxman]

I remember a late 80's radio interview where Michael specifically talked about how unique and powerful his voice was. Perhaps him memory is a bit lacking. :-)

[@cristianecarvalho4652]

👍👏

[@stevelawrence5268]

Sometimes in life a Stripe of ignorance can become a Stipe of Bliss but not for the faint of

[@rotcbrad]

May I humbly submit that 'humility' is the word you were looking for. Cheers.

[@deathfromabove77]

I miss these guys..(REM that is, not BBC Disc Jockeys)...please reform for a short world reunion tour..I know it would be contrary to the integrity of the band and why they split, but fuck that..I just wanna see this great ( and strangely underrated by some) band play again one more time

[@cruiser815]

i love R.E.M but realistically, how much music do you need from one band?

[@beatrizromerocanaldeangele6719]

ME OUEDES DAR EL TEL DE REM LLEBO TODA MI VIDA BUSCANDOLO O ALGUN CONTACTO PLEASE

[@beatrizromerocanaldeangele6719]

ME PUEDEN DAR EL TELEFONO DE REM TENHO TOFA MI VIDA BUSCANDOLO

[@fred6059]

Michelle is sung in German. I have an original pressing

[@bbender1975]

@sixgroupsix Well, if they don't have any more material to be proud of, I'm proud they stopped. For instance, The Who should have not made It's Hard. Face Dances would have been a great Swan Song. Just my two cents.

[@Aqua.man045]

I think what they meant is the singing styles of Kurt and Eddie are similar to Micheal due to the fact they both mumble and slur their lyrics the way Stipe did.

[@joannepsi]

What happened all the comments on this video? Matt will get a complex...