R.E.M. - Driver 8 (Rare Acoustic Performance)

Exclusive live performance July 1984,from I.R.S. Records "The Cutting Edge"

[@RogerPeet]

When 'Thiller' was topping the charts, the Rolling Stone mag critics named 'Murmur' the album of the year. I went out and bought the cassette, the same day. Been a big fan ever since. 'Driver 8' is fantastic and this version is double fantastic.

[@aqua-rian]

My favorite REM song. My time in rural Wisconsin as a kid was full of trains and rail culture. Detroit cars coming in, steel for the up North ship yards, lumber, cattle to Oscar Meyer livestock yards, feed cars, commuters on an old electric line, strawberries loaded in crates right from the field to rail car on a country crossing near the farm. It was beautiful for some reason. Sights, sounds, soaked in Americana long gone. Weird how a song about mode of travel can remind one so much of home.

[@steveell4523]

Wow. So well written and said. Thanks.

[@juanrivera6109]

REM was the kind of band that was difficult to pigeonhole. Their music still remains times less.

[@cmgdiazc]

R.E.M part of the soundtrack of my life.

[@mcgovern12]

Anyone know who is whistling?

[@trp5389]

Same!

[@Alan-gi2ku]

Me too.

[@obscurebandfan]

As a southerner I find it cool how prominent Stipe's drawl is here.

[@williambilleaud4287]

Stipe is from Collinsville, ILLINOIS. His accent is fake....

[@obscurebandfan]

William Billeaud Yes, but he spent a great deal of his childhood moving around the South (Alabama, Texas, and finally Georgia). I think it's safe to say he probably picked up a drawl somewhere along the line.

[@williambilleaud4287]

I went to high school with him. People there say "yous" as opposed to "yall". Michael Stipes had no southern accent, but perhaps he had no problem mimicking a southern accent for his own purposes after high school.

[@natecorning]

William Billeaud stipe*

[@mjg3272]

+William Billeaud He was born in Decatur, Georgia, and lived several places - most in the South - before his family moved to Illinois when he was a teen. His father's family was from Georgia and his mother's family was from Mississippi. Maybe he had no problem repressing a southern accent for his own purposes in high school.

[@BreakingTheNews1]

2020 and listening to this, one of my favourite songs of all time and a hidden gem of REM.

[@bassboye8959]

I agree jamie, im 60, heard it 1st in 1987. Reminds me of the beatles rubber soul type songs. I had to learn it on guitar righr away. Still play it today. Ty 4 your comments.

[@eastwoofer]

Not a hidden gem. It’s one of their biggest first songs.

[@theirshopewithjesuschrist_5867]

Underated tho, my dad is in his mid 50s I'm 28 now and as a child growing up, we would jam these early rem songs riding in the car. Along with other bands like Rush, the police, nirvana, pearl jam, stone temple pilots, and a little heavy stuff like Alice in chains... That's just to name a few. I was pretty much raised on all these bands, mom and dad didn't stay together and divorced. But I have to say one thing among other things that kept me and dad close was music, and I have to say he had good taste and I'm glad he raised me on good music such as this. Rem is still one of my favorite bands to this day, and dad always said Stipe was a genius lol. Good music and good times and I will pass these timeless tunes on down to my kids :)

[@manuelparra6549]

Here we are 2024 haha!!!

[@dshadow3173]

I'm from Athens, GA. and was a teenager in the 80's listening to R.E.M. I can just see them in a studio apartment in downtown Athens recording this.

[@khaaleliilighntingcoronado9009]

I have always been a punk rock fan and love loud sloppy rock n roll. I've always discredited clean sounding rock n roll. I heard "try not to breathe" by REM and all that changed. I found myself listening to every REM album and performances. They blow me away everytime. They sound so clean but so pure and raw. It's like hearing clean southern punk rock. One of my favorite bands of all time. TIMELESS

[@mattroper4959]

Love this comment❤❤❤❤

[@Chaddlee]

I love his more southern tone to his voice in this version, it's great.

[@Frumples8]

One of the few bands that really stand out to me in the 80's. No one sounded like them. Love the rawness of the vid...its like they invited you over for a beer to check out their new song.

[@bryanmathew2079]

Ya Has a Good Raw Sound-!.

[@microbus99]

When i first heard this in this In 94 and my soon to be wife had alread been through Murmur. We are still REM fans after 33 years.

[@ia5662]

This doesn't sound 80s at all, it sounds TIMELESS....

[@jonathanroselaw]

Second best band EVER

[@Alan-gi2ku]

@@ellebee690 They are so good they take both first and second.

[@stephenfiore9960]

*…….Acoustic music will never die. They’re still performing Mozart and Beethoven aren’t they…….8…*

[@jmaurice1021]

If you are my age - 50 - and you heard REM on college radio in 83/84 - do your kids/nieces/nephews a big musical favour. Remind them where REAL music comes from. Don't be daunted by all the over-processed, focused-grouped spam they're told is "music". It's like hot dogs and high-fructose corn syrup and such. Can't change it all at once. Just be a good dad/mom/uncle/auntie and REMIND them. Show them. Real is as real does.

[@kalikadevi]

+Jacquie Maurice I'm not 50, I'm 34, but I have a deep deep love of R.E.M. I used to sing Be Mine to my daughter before she was born and as a lullaby, and sometimes Electrolite. I've played R.E.M. in the car plenty and she can recognize it. She enjoys Automatic for the People and one of her favorite songs is Hyena. I'm really proud of her musical awareness.

[@jmaurice1021]

Thanks!

[@capricornsister9043]

Well I'm 15, and I've liked R. E. M. Since I was like 11. Of course I heard "it's the end of the world as we know it(and I feel fine)" first, haha.. But Now I like all sorts of things. From zeppelin to Pantera. R. E. M. Was my first favorite band, and will always be my favorite. Driver 8 is one of the best.

[@kalikadevi]

+Capricorn Sister Nice to see the youth with good taste in musick!! Michael Stipe is also a Capricorn ; ) Keep up the great work!

[@capricornsister9043]

+kalikadevi ha, I'm a Gemini. Capricorn sister is just my favorite mother love bone song.

[@Douger1406]

you can almost feel Faulkner peering through a space he's pulled open between that Em to Am

[@puckdropper27]

I am 50 and I still think this music blows the crap on the radio of today out of the water!!! Still so great.. pure timeless magic..

[@MrDunkiep]

Maybe the problem is that all the best songs have been written now. Anything new that's almost great gets written off as derivative and not breaking new ground. Rock n roll was amazing for our generation.

[@fairybliss7772]

The good music now isn’t on the radio, it’s online. Great music is being made

[@ThePhosophorus]

Jason isbell is writing straight fire songs today, so it’s not all dead!

[@jamsohnson8579]

@@MrDunkiep What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.

[@kathymyers7279]

I love this song. It reminds me of my father who was a railroad engineer for over 25 years. ❤ best band ever.

[@ldgolias]

My favorite REM song; I love this version!

[@gpfmusico]

REM, what a tight unit.

[@pat7989]

One of their best songs

[@joeg1582]

Grunge a decade before grunge.

[@jeffcloser2814]

My thoughts exactly !!

[@marcmarc1967]

1:38 The best bidge in any song, ever. Chills, every time.

[@chmick50]

Why is this my favorite live performance on KZbin? Man, REM was really something weren’t they?

[@bassboye8959]

I like the electric live version too.

[@daveobrien2466]

Sia's breathe me at the hiro ballroom is good too.

[@brownlauren15]

Definitely my soundtrack from the '80's. They were so raw and pure and really danceable.

[@seancrapola]

I can still remember the first time I heard this song. Brings back such poignant memories. Just a wondrously melancholic and atmospheric song.

[@MJK1965]

They all just smoked - someting exotic. :) My favourite REM song too.

[@danopo]

The children look up all they hear are sky blue bells ringing.

[@peggyfranzen6159]

I always think I of the Burlington Northern through the Iowa countryside... ✌🌱

[@meganmathews528]

That was great..I love REM..this is one of my favorite songs

[@guarddog2253]

michael and rem - you all looked and sound great ~

[@stefano.b65stef77]

I love R.E.M. as far as Automatic for the people, chronich town, murmur, reckoning and fables of the reconstructions are my favourite albums

[@27deblyn]

How I would've loved to be in that room! Thumbs up for the Buck smile.... only second time I saw it in 30 years!

[@williamheurtley5806]

Debbie Tempalsky .. Same. Would have loved to have been there. I could watch this over and over!

[@ClueSign]

Debbie Tempalsky Totes on the Peter Buck smile.

[@wideyxyz2271]

im 52 and boy do i feel old now....great song...michael has a great voice....good timing too

[@Cap683]

A perfect song--even if you are not especially a REM fan.

[@paulwilliams5296]

God I miss Rem. Reminds me of doing up my first house in 1998 listening to their greatest hits CD. Don't go back to Rockville and driver 8 were my favourites

[@jmj7599]

i remember seeing this on that old MTV show The Cutting Edge, i think on sundays after midnight--pure bliss in '85 and now

[@OneTwoThreeAlone]

Now it makes me cry... R.E.M. ♥

[@markothwriter]

A friend of mine's uncle manned an 8-wheeled locomotive our of Whitefish Montana and I'll always associate this song with the stories this older man told me about running the passes through northern Montana. A true 8 wheel locomotive is huge. Saw this on USA Nightflight when I was about 14.

[@Dan-zq5wt]

Beautiful melody. Classic

[@samsquanch1996]

The only time I've ever seen Peter Buck smile

[@Alan-gi2ku]

He looks so young here.

[@samsquanch1996]

@@Alan-gi2ku He was about 27 or 28 here I think.

[@Alan-gi2ku]

@@samsquanch1996 I’m aware of his age and he still looks young.

[@samsquanch1996]

@@Alan-gi2ku 27/28 is very young.

[@nealcollins1438]

These guys look no older than 12 years old and they are playing and singing their song that sounds like it’s been with us forever. The song, the Kingston Trio, would cover! Amazing video

[@barrysullivan4376]

Still a ways away.....but still sounding great in '19

[@ronbo11]

Man, I miss shows like "The Cutting Edge" and "120 Minutes"! I must've missed this episode, but at lease I saw it in 2021 after the Snowmegeddon of Texas!

[@dimitrisdalakouras9714]

How can a so young person right so insightful lyrics? Amazing song

[@karenwebster2465]

Old soul. Instinct

[@Richycito]

I hope that youtube et al have the common sense to keep videos like this available so the music can be appreciated in its true state. I was born after this video was recorded, and I love REM, but its videos like these that allow me to appreciate the truth behind the sound at a greater level...thanks maccafixx for seeing it our way!

[@donatellag.9332]

Thanks SOOO much for uploading this. Wonderful!

[@jeffgilbert147]

Absolutely beautiful. These guys are so talented. One of the very best bands ever.

[@philipmarx1819]

So young they look. Thanks for posting this.

[@pashedmotatos]

Also, I wanted to add. That's one awesome guitar riff. I can really hear the essence and emotion in this track.

[@lisaknell6018]

I still have this entire segment from MTVs 120 ,minutes on VHS. My favorite version of this song hands down and sure wish I could play it on my old Yamaha acoustic. And those curls!!!

[@maureenmclaughlin4075]

+Lisa Knell The curls and the lips. He walked past me once in SF with his much younger boyfriend as I was sitting on my stoop. I didn't say anything knowing how shy he is

[@finvandewall2445]

+Maureen McLaughlin when was this?

[@jeffreyheise3377]

I wish I could play too. Arthiritus. Still rem is the best.

[@cheeverdog]

it's not hard to play at all. I figured it out so an y b one can. you tube also has lessons for most songs or you can get the chords on ultimate guitar

[@melissatyree566]

Yea, they look like young teenagers here. Mike mills has always looked like a schoolboy. REM always one of my favorite bands. SINCERELY, melissa Tyree

[@tailendcharlie]

love this song

[@minniesfishies3024]

Wow, what a great time piece, awesome.

[@roo7227]

Damn, Peter Buck is da man.. Flawless..

[@thais2415]

I always thought stipe the hotter since I see the face of Buck at 1:00

[@roo7227]

Thais Czinski Yeah, I was talking about his guitar play, but thanks for the chuckle.. ;P

[@2degucitas]

His playing is just like the recording, perfect in every way.

[@ryanw7953]

I can't believe this video has only 216,153 views... considering I must account for about 100,000 of them. Awesome classic stuff here!

[@vegetablehead]

i'm fairly certain this is a most objective opinion from a boy who grew up in the 80s reppin front end genX. top five, in no particular order: U2, the Smiths, the Cure, REM, Echo and the Bunnymen.

[@jacktaylor1516]

Peter Buck has the best right hand in the history of rock and popular music

[@lisaknell1809]

I watched this when it first aired and recorded it on a VHS tape. My favorite REM song, I love the acoustic guitars and Michael’s curly locks and twang! ❤

[@michaelmeenan5522]

Nothing like rolling out of bed & playing a classic lol... My favorite REM tune :D

[@subwaygoddess1]

This is when I loved R.R.E.M. best ✌🎶💙

[@kevinw8688]

Incredible band. Nearly everything they do is magical, everything they touch turns to gold. Thanks for the music guys....thank you.

[@ineedanewname9595944]

I miss Michael Stipe's long hair!!!💜💜💜

[@zeitok8]

Love this performance, sound so natural...

[@noisepuppet]

They made this look so easy that I spent all my time forming bands until about '96 when that fell apart. Tried to forget about it for many years, but the urge to do just what they're doing here won't go away, and now I'm at it again. They did it for three decades and have been retired for nearly a decade more, and here I am still chasing after it. Now and then, something gels, and there we are, three or four of us in a room just banging out a song we made up like it's the most natural thing in the world. That's how life is supposed to be. Or at least that's what I saw in this exact video. And I think it really was that way for them, but for most of us, so many things get in the way.

[@bassboye8959]

Yes stay with it, it obviously makes you happy. I had 27 yrs playing. Quit for a while (20 yrs) to make $ ect. Started back at it 3 yrs ago. It was the 1st song I relearned. I'm 60 now going on 16 LOL. Been retired 17 yrs mostly adrift. Once I started playing Ang, i built a small studio in the back yard with 20 guitars & basses. It's all I ever wanted to do. I'm too old & ugly to be out giging in my eyes, so I just play for my own enjoyment. I play better than ever now, more mature I guess. Besides, what most people listen to now isn't music, it's refried, freeze dried, reconstituted, cookie cutter crap or plain morose. Depressing. I like the old bands alot better. Some of todays are good, not many really. I can play about 10,000 songs I learned as a teen by ear off records. Best wishes. Stay at it because you love it. PEACE

[@sorcerer1975]

gorgeous ! love this ... thanks for the memories guys ...

[@altus101]

they look about 12 yrs old! One of my favorites.

[@robinbritt409]

So young and so good❤

[@joeanderson8839]

Wow, this is incredible. I wonder how much more material like this is out there. I have been listening to REM ever since the release of Chronic Town. This is the first time I have ever heard this.

[@JimSnowden]

That was a treat. Thanks.

[@crystalstevens4638]

I watched this on MTV when it premiered. Just wow! Even after all of these years

[@sandibergen2523]

Omg this is so F’ing amazing!!! REM is my all time favorite band...thank you for your amazing music. I’ve never seen this before/bravo👏 you made my life worth living when I was really struggling in the 90’s

[@williamleeming4082]

Great song! I recall where I was an when I heard it for the first time. Ty cousin...I love you xo!

[@ahinoaesprincesaherrera6105]

Un recuerdo de R.E.M cuando sus inicios .y parce una habitación dónde ya cantaban y sonaban estupendo. Gracias por el vídeo.

[@lxx5045]

Pure perfection , wonderful song

[@tomdrake1997]

REM is a band u will never see again.. the combo created a sound and vibe and feeling and and and... never gonna have it again What I love is when i listened to REM early on didnt have a video so i just listened.. Murmur to Eponymous

[@jimix5708]

I sometimes forget how much I loved this band back in the 80's. this song is magic.

[@LisaDawnn]

That was excellent. I'm the same age as Stipe so..... it's surreal to see how young we looked back then! Thanks REM for filling my years with your music! You are loved

[@TheTetrarch]

This is so perfect that I'm lost for words...

[@ecj2006]

Thanks so much for the music REM! You made my teenager years less freaky and lonely.

[@turdferguson3475]

Best songwriters of their generation.

[@agramsci]

My god this breaks my heart.

[@TheClever70]

I remember seeing this, probably on 120 Minutes. Sure it's on some old VHS somewhere. Love it! Probably my fave acoustic song ever.

[@bassboye8959]

One of them for sure.

[@bostrickland4970]

Untuckin real how good this sounds...Rem timeless at this time ...chronic town my fav . ...haven’t heard this in years

[@meltedicecreamier]

Man, this a great version of Driver 8! Love Bill's percussion.

[@richardoldbury475]

Best Live Version I heard Of This Track....Better Than On The Album!!!

[@toterola451]

Thank you so much for posting this! It's from so far back Michael still has a Southern accent!

[@MarceloFarias]

Thank God for letting me to watch this genuine pearl before I die! Thank you, God!

[@avirettmackenzie]

Oh, man....I took photos of this from MTV...they were up all over my dorm room....wow....what a wonderful song!!!

[@JohnHugginsDayTrippin]

Brings back some fond memories living in Raleigh NC

[@lukemorley8365]

love this tune

[@matthewhoult7641]

Great band🙌

[@gravelandgrain100]

Bittersweet memories. I don't know if I should be happy I was around when this type of music got it's wings, or sad that that time has passed and kids these days never really get to experience this greatness. Young people are happy with fields of mediocrity, instead of ecstatic for the really important musical experiences out there. Great song, love R.E.M.!

[@bsaez1962]

I like to see hapiness in their faces

[@publicastration]

they are who really got me back into rock acoustic.

[@peacefrogx]

simply the best, simply awesome

[@robinthompson6364]

I love this

[@RT060789]

Nice. Perfect time to the studio version.

[@williamdillard4291]

Absolutely sublime

[@jatojo]

I have the DVD, too. Surprising how good the sound is.

[@deweypug2636]

In my humble opinion, the last great album REM released... How great this period was... (I picked up the guitar because of this band...

[@deweypug2636]

***** And the guitars like it better out in the open!

[@acesmith1111]

Wrong!!! Automatic is great

[@williambullock4077]

No way, Pageant, Document, Green, Automatic, and the awesome Out of Time

[@Desi7077]

In 1984, They played at my University. I was only 14 years old and had no idea who they were...Document changed everything and by then they were too big to come to our city...Oh the agony!!!! So awesome to see them in such a youthful stage in their career!!!! :)

[@user-uh2ds1mz7m]

This song is beautiful.

[@carlengel4760]

Incredible musicians......nuff sed

[@pragjyotishbhuyangogoi8363]

When you're high and you're R.E.M.