R.E.M. - Nightswimming (Later… with Jools Holland on BBC1, 14 October 2003)

R.E.M. at the BBC. Available 19th October. Order Now - found.ee/REM-at... R.E.M. grew up with the BBC, and this historic relationship is lovingly celebrated across an incredible collection that beautifully illustrates the career trajectory of one of modern music’s greatest bands. The collection-available as a super-deluxe edition 8-CD/1-DVD box set, as well as 2-CD, 2-LP and digital formats-comprises a treasure trove of rare and unreleased live and studio recordings culled from the BBC and band archives. This is a must-have collection for R.E.M. fans and an authoritative introduction for newcomers. In-studio performances featured in the 8-CD/1-DVD box set include a John Peel Session (1998), Drivetime and Mark and Lard appearances (2003) and a glorious Radio 1 Live Lounge performance (2008). Live broadcasts include a rough-and-tumble show from Nottingham’s Rock City (1984), the stunning 1995 Milton Keynes Monster Tour (their first after a six-year break), a blistering 1999 Glastonbury headline set and an invitation-only 2004 show at London’s St James’s Church.R.E.M. performing Nightswimming live at Later… with Jools Holland on BBC1, 14 October 2003 from R.E.M. At The BBC
rem.lnk.to/AtT...

[@kellypullen5298]

Played this song at husbands furneal 3 weeks ago. Forever 39 i love you my darling💙💙💙💙💙

[@frogsandrobbers]

RIP to your husband, the body disappears but love is eternal

[@martinmeighan5642]

RIP your husband Kelly ❤️

[@originalfallinggirl]

🙏🏻❤️

[@garyfulton5859]

God bless

[@andrewcross8244]

What a stupid fucking song to play

[@douglast3410]

michael appreciatively watching mike play the piano tells you everything you need to know about rem

[@jeffrabonsr4233]

Yes, because he probably "sees" more than most; Beauty, logic, appreciation, Love... If this doesn't stop your heart & make you realize that most trivial everyday life is Bullshit..., then go back to Toby Kieth for your music ..

[@paulburrows8165]

Too much love cheers bless

[@dinoanello5520]

I see so much love for his friend...

[@kevinthorburn3363]

Beautiful👌

[@genogardner1822]

That's why the writing for every song this band ever released was always credited to: Berry/Buck/Mills/Stipe or Buck/Mills/Stipe (after Bill Berry's departure). All their music was such a collaborative effort.

[@BFLY1980]

Automatic for the people was a Masterpiece

[@dominicaaaaa5547]

automatic, green, out of time and monster are the best REM albums i reckon - oh and the in time best of Listened to that constantly as a kid -great band!

[@JohnSmith-tj6vz]

One of the best albums of all time.

[@davidhyde2771]

Awesome 😎🇦🇺

[@anjomendoza2143]

Best album imo. All songs can be released as single.

[@tripperdelaluna1]

"Automatic for the people" was a local restaurants motto.

[@kennymacconnachie341]

This is an utter masterpiece.

[@StephenCurrie-lx8ir]

Well said mate

[@dont_follow5777]

Very true.

[@vincentmitchell7624]

One of the top 10 albums ever. Faultless

[@FraserBailey-jm5yz]

It is, indeed, a great work of art, so sit alongside so many great works of art by this great, great band. I loved them from 1983.

[@bensmiling]

This gives me all kinds of feels that I can’t explain. It’s part nostalgia. Part pain. Part love. Part longing.

[@kittenneedles9590]

It's painfully beautiful.

[@cherrydarling1329]

Perfectly described

[@Wendy-fe7xb]

Exactly the words that I could not find to describe my feelings. Thank you!

[@MrRonnie28]

Fuck off with your pain

[@Terrapin2871]

Ben Ellis you’re so right

[@darrenspence2516]

NO one gives Mike Mills enough credit....he is a legend

[@mustang4life]

💯%

[@nobhiker]

I do

[@JayJay270681]

Legends get credit. He is an unsung hero.

[@jennimadden1061]

Totally agree!

[@XxYwise]

Happy birthday Mike! 12/17/23

[@chucklesfarley]

At about 3:57, Michael Stipe looks at his old friend and bandmate, Mike Mills, with so much love and appreciation ...no words... it is just so heart-warming. It makes me smile and well-up in my eyes at the same time.

[@goport]

Chuck, you're not alone. I'm smiling through the tears here. A beautiful moment.

[@tonybuckley6413]

Cool man

[@tractorhead971]

Because unusually Michael wrote all the words before the music and his buddy came up with the exquisite piano accompaniment. It’s those two guys side by side in orbit.

[@sebastianmatarelli5602]

It it just me or does stipe wipe away a tear right at the end.

[@simodo11]

Something so special how Michael looked at Mike playing the piano ,so much love and appreciation ,not just been his band member ,but his friend and musical talents

[@fredrikschroder]

This song is my secret. Too good to play for the unworthy, not sure they would understand. It is pure nostalgia, pure pureness, so bittersweet. Sadness and euphoria at the same time. Deeply important and nonsense at the same time. A fraction of a lifetime that sums nothing up and makes it all complete in a few minutes. Thank you REM for making this piece of art.

[@terrianneharrison5669]

Agreed. Love this song and all the metaphors/depth behind it. Mostly big blank stare when you play it for most people. Beautiful song nonetheless.

[@alisonmccourt9180]

Perfect melancholy

[@matent9076]

Who is unworthy? If you like this song all is good.

[@everyday775]

A call for beauty, so I agree with you

[@Terrapin2871]

Well said…

[@nickmys4137]

It’s the middle of the night and I have just rocked my newborn daughter to sleep to this beautiful soundtrack, and tears of joy rolled down my face.

[@chortlerguffaw]

Nick Mys All the best man. The best times a man can have... the birth of their children.

[@nickmys4137]

chortlerguffaw Thank you - it’s a very happy time!

[@nhgfable]

Good gracious,that's beautiful..take care. Xx

[@gordonhunt4823]

Beautiful. Brings back happy memories for me.

[@nancyhnamte4790]

Congrats Nick .....to see that little heart beating inside the little one .. .is such a super felling .........congrats in this times of trouble ....

[@JossRush]

I can´t even begin to imagine how can it feel like having Michael Stipe look at you the way he looks at Mike at the end of the song. You can see all over his face how proud he is of his bandmate and friend, an incredibly talented musician. I love this version of Nightswimming. I miss R.E.M. so much.

[@j.c7719]

It was one of those perfect songs that just happened, Mike was playing the piano riff thinking nothing would come of it when Michael became inspired and began singing his lyrics to it and one of the most beautiful songs was born.

[@thenoobpolice3002]

What would I give to have Michael Stipe look at me that way .... such a beautiful man, inside and out. Those eyelashes!

[@mikebradt8080]

The look of love and friendship on Michael's face is so poignant. It is as beautiful as the song itself. I too miss them so much.

[@johnnyarthurs395]

Truely magical moment of appreciation for the music

[@danielkoschalka3955]

I believe the two michaels didn’t get along very well for a lot of REM’s existence, although I’m sure they have some deep affection for each other regardless.

[@simonayers550]

The 365 tour became 366 when Mike Mills was rushed to hospital in Sheffield England. I’d waited years to see this extraordinary group of guys. Stipe, in tears, gave us the bad news that we would have to come back to be the 366. But he did an impromptu a Capella of 5 songs and ran off stage to be taken to the hospital. We kept out tickets and Months later we were all back to be the last concert of the tour. They played for hours, literally hours and it was one of the best nights of my life.

[@venividi9603]

I don't know why, but this song always makes me think of my late wife. 38 years young. Something in his cadence resonates with me, and her, and all the feels 🫶

[@sanjulienne]

The way Michael Stipe looks at his friend and fellow bandmate Mike Mills at the end is EVERYTHING. This one of the best versions of a truly beautiful song.

[@Dancemomslover711]

This song is that period from maybe 13 to 25, it's that every big night out where you've stayed up till the sun rose the following day with people you would kill for and swear you'll never part with, but ultimately you do because time and growing up means you do. There is a scene in a film called Marie Antoinette where they are partying at sunrise laughing and joking and being awesome and invincible. This song is for that time in your life, you won't no your in it while your living it, so you'll only ever appreciate it 20 years after the fact. Love and peace from London to you all

[@kayannjanet]

So true Grace. So true.

[@user-zm4yk1et6g]

i’m 22 now and coming up on this :/. partying and drugs has fucked my group of friends up, me included

[@liamoshea9383]

You could not be more correct, and it's hitting me again at 47

[@djathome6764]

Great comment❤

[@chrisjones5624]

💕

[@sunshineofrays6977]

My absolute favourite REM track , this is both haunting , sad , soothing , so many emotions fill me ❤

[@aaronboyd6376]

This is the most perfect version of this song. Michael Stipe and Mike Mills flow together like a endless river. One of the best live performances

[@badboys1769]

Its it about nightswimming,the first,the photograph in the dashboard

[@badboys1769]

Love the lyrics, its about that and love

[@ddk999]

“Cause things they go away, replaced by everyday”. My heart hurts every time Michael sings that. What a genius lyric. 💔

[@sirknight1399]

So true 💔

[@garyengle4722]

A favorite lyric of mine also.

[@EOTBuk]

Even after all those years, you can still see the love and friendship with Michael looking at Mike playing the piano at the end. Great band, great album and great song.

[@cristianradiohead145]

Great Album!!!👌

[@mimoochodom2684]

Great synergy and love.

[@johnbattles7397]

Yeah

[@dlr2053]

He probably wants to bum him

[@aidanokane]

I noticed that as well. Powerful

[@Radiofred]

This performance saved my life once.

[@wernerpay2267]

Yes, that's true,music saves lifes!

[@Phil_McAvity]

Bullshit!

[@wernerpay2267]

@@Phil_McAvity Yes, your Posting is Bullshit!

[@MsMTteam]

"I'm not sure all these people understand."

[@philiptomah4350]

Nobody in the crowd is moving... they’re afraid to breathe because it’s so good

[@paulburrows8165]

I can't wait until I move

[@styleandplaygrounds]

Did you see how the other band next to them just watched in awe? Phenomenal rendition of a literally perfect song.

[@situated4]

Or their stoned out of their minds, as per usual.

[@Pandi-Fackler]

That’s the usual for a Jools Holland audience I’m afraid

[@Ironpyrites]

I love how he watches his friend enjoying his playing at the end.

[@rucksackzen]

Because he knows how difficult it is to play that same riff over and over, keep time, and keep it flawless. Geniuses.

[@HB-xf2xl]

I hope they know how much they mean to people.

[@ivetpatino7008]

... March 2020 .. the world is going to hell but this beautiful song remains the same. Deep Sigh ✨

[@davecoffelt4778]

Ivet Patiño we need REM about now.

[@Richard_Hoekstra]

Stay strong, stay healthy. And keep on streaming music like this masterpiece to give you comfort. 🙏🏼

[@robdepolo122]

Well said ✌🏼, 🙏🏼, and 👍🏼 to you all.

[@peterm2810]

The world's always going to hell life is timeless x

[@rickyelvis3215]

Ivet Patiño ... it’s been hell since day dot ... 8 billion idiots !

[@viniciuscomacento]

If this isn't poetry I don't know what else is

[@robdepolo122]

An English teacher I know used this song to talk about poetry/lyrics.

[@sadiesleepwalker646]

@@robdepolo122 good idea to use 👌

[@simonchesterfield7517]

He is too good for us. Love this band this song etc etc

[@rax816]

Go to a library and find out.

[@davidmckay106]

Its wonderful!!!!

[@lhart99]

This song got me through some really difficult days when I was a teenager, and some of those days I was really close to ending it all. However, because of this song and other great songs like it, I am still here. It's hard to believe I'll be 40 years old next year. Where does the time go? I wish I knew. Peace and love to all. Cheers.

[@katc5051]

Keep your head above the water and walk past open windows

[@jeffreyheeks]

Glad you stayed. Those nearest and dearest to you will never regret your decision. Stay and make the world a better place.

[@willw8087]

Same here man, I was contemplating my life, this song always made me feel a little bit better

[@Bobby_Chariot]

So glad you stayed around and continued the journey. Many of us can relate. That beauty that you tuned into in the music; that’s the real stuff. Always tune into it. It’s always there … we just forget about it 👍🏻

[@markworthy4796]

Just read your post Reminds me of my nephew Michael who couldnt cope & sadly took his own life i hope your still here fighting your demoms x

[@melindagibson8606]

I love this band so much. I miss that time in my life! Michael's voice is home to me. So calming. Love my R.E.M.

[@mediacenterman8583]

Do they call you Mel Gibson?

[@johnberkley1721]

Iknow exactly how you feel

[@paulzenco6182]

mediacenter man lol

[@arto9775]

@@mediacenterman8583 lmao

[@redcanband931]

same feeling! that voice is several generations

[@cherrydarling1329]

The way Michael looks at Mike in this song makes my heart burst

[@DavidAntrobus]

Was just about to post something similar. That genuine grin at the end!

[@Chaddlee]

Find somebody who looks at you the way he looks at Mike in this video.

[@razvanar]

He wants to seduce him

[@razvanar]

@@jamesdoe3713 the same I feel for you😿

[@royperkasa6554]

I feel sad and nostalgic when listening to this. I guess I just miss the 90s.

[@tonybuckley6413]

and me with you

[@stevedorefromtyneside9993]

This song made me sad and nostalgic when it was new. It's just that kind of song.

[@markmcauleymcauley9287]

The last good era for music 2000s onwards has basically been c factor type music

[@s.j1215]

Aparently this song pops up when you need it most.

[@ziggerwebdesign1704]

If I could only write a song one-tenth this good, I would die a happy man. Beyond words.

[@stacyadiaz]

I drug my wife to see R.E.M. when they came thru Kansas City in 2003 when she was pregnant with my daughter. Michael sang this song and the place was dead quiet...it was like he was singing to us individually. I had been a fan of R.E.M. since 1986 and it was the only time I saw them live....I'll never forget it.

[@sadtomatogirl]

You drugged your wife while she was pregnant to see REM? That's dedication! (and child abuse) :-)

[@alexsaynor6717]

Drove?

[@lewisbsalford]

Dragged?

[@andrewbennett875]

Yea drugging your wife isn't cool😂

[@sierra6588]

This group and this song means so much to me. This song helped me through my divorce after many years together, my heart breaking to every word while I played it in the car going back and forth to work.

[@EllieSparkleSeed]

Same- I always return to this specific song at different points in my life. My divorce after 25 years of marriage was absolutely devastating. I hope you are feeling better about it. It does get better. I’m weeping while I write this because I seriously relate to what you wrote. My heart also feels expansive when I hear this song. ❤ hugs

[@j.kevvideoproductions.6463]

@@EllieSparkleSeed , My marriage was falling apart and I clung to this song.

[@kevinhawkey11]

God I miss REM.... Genuine love for Michael and the boys. They do not make music like this anymore and the world is a colder place as a result...

[@earthangel8730]

Such an old fart comment and not true. I'm a senior. I used to love REM. I listen to all kinds of alternative and ambient modern music and there's plenty that is awesome nowadays.

[@charlesworkman8837]

Cigarettes After Sex - Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby

[@j.c7719]

Sometimes people create songs that are so incredibly great that it’s hard to top them but there is still great music being made and I’m not referring to BTS, Ed Sheeran and Doja Cat.

[@jabbadahuttful]

In my humble opinion one of the best written, evocative songs ever recorded. A perfect match of voice and music.

[@pibly674]

YES.

[@duggieroadster]

Agreed

[@alistairgarratt9409]

I can imagine Lennon and Mc Cartney singing it.

[@nickyborrisino]

Love the way Michael Stipe watches him near the end. You can tell the band members are close and truly care about each other, and it comes through in the quality of their music.

[@Hayyden]

Find somebody who looks at you the way Michael Stipe looks at Mike Mills.

[@peterf46]

This song is so beautiful.. I feel like I’m 25 again listening to it. Thankyou REM

[@rosietewaka5469]

They played night swimming at the Bowl of Brooklyn, New Plymouth, Aotearoa New Zealand. It is a huge park with beautiful trees and a pond in front of the stage. Gorgeous moonlit summer night, and half the audience jumped in the pond. Night Swimming.

[@briangdaniels]

When you get to the end of a song and the tears are streaming down your face, you know the song has touched you on a spiritual dimension. This version of Nightswimming just did that. Love.

[@be3825]

The split second at 4:25 when Michael's eyes meet Mike's is pure gold

[@techtipsuk]

this is what talent sounds like

[@ddk999]

The control in Michael’s vocal is astounding. What a gift this band was.

[@laurarader6846]

Breaks my heart every time I hear it. Longing for a sweeter time gone by. " I'm pining for the moon". I request this to be played at a memorial service any of my friends might hold for me.

[@judydeangelis3240]

Me too.

[@sirknight1399]

My go-to song for when I'm nostalgic for my student days (1989-92) and the friends I had then.

[@alexgibbons2403]

This song is what I listen to when I think about my father - nightswimming, september is coming soon. Happy Birthday dad - one of the best.

[@gregkiteos1936]

The most beautiful version of the most beautiful song of all time. I wish someone would look at me in the same way that Michael looks at Mike playing the piano.

[@johnayala2011]

One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard...in the midst of chaos this song brings me peace everytime..

[@philipegan1806]

61

[@jbrown7403]

My favorite R.E.M. song on my favorite album. Automatic For The People is perfect in every way. Stipe really gets to show off his voice throughout. 👍🍻

[@photoshopskillz3041]

Being from the California Desert area, this song reminds me of being a teenager, high school, at my aunts house. She had a swimming pool at their house while we didn't at home. My uncle and her will always invite everyone to use it. One cold December night, I decided to be brave enough and circle around the pool with my BMX bike, only to loose balance and fall into the pool. It was cold!! At night!! And yes, sometimes we would swim late at night with my cousins just talking about high school stuff and listening to the radio with beautiful songs like these as our backdrop. Miss those days..

[@thankyouforyourcompliance7386]

Watching this every day helps oneself to become a more human being.

[@in6087]

Back in the mid-90s I’d often find myself in the front passenger seat of my cousin’s car on a Friday night, rain pattering on the windshield, right about the time that my brother and all my old school friends were falling away into their own lives at uni and in relationships, and for some reason, on those rides home in my cousin’s car, this song was always playing. It seemed to reflect the mood perfectly. That sense of life changing in ways I didn’t really want it to and wasn’t really ready for but there being nothing that could be done about it.

[@ciaranmckenna1586]

One of the best song ever wrote from one of greatest bands of all time ☺☺☺🎸🎸🎸🎸👍👍👍👍👍

[@jeremycloyd7989]

Ciaran McKenna yusssssssssssss

[@dexterjackson5513]

Athens GA Finest !!!

[@catherine711]

here here

[@sireloco]

Met him in New York 11 years ago. Michael is such a humble guy, really shy

[@Lassetersreef555]

It feels like I hold my breath for the entirety of this beautiful performance. Timeless perfection.

[@crookedfiltrum4852]

It is perfection. As was watching you play it the one time i got to do that. You were so beautiful in my eyes. I suspect you still are, and maybe i will get to see you again one day. What an awesome feeling we had together. The very reason we live a life. Loml.

[@davidnugent9601]

My dad started a security company at gigs in ireland when I was about 14, I got to spend 2 nights just keeping the above stage area free from fans. I literally got to see REM from 10 feet away 2 nights in a Row. The second night me and a gárda (Irish police) had a ball talking about our musical taste literally 10 feet from the band. It's one of my favourite memories.

[@duggieroadster]

That's just class . What a memory

[@originalfallinggirl]

This came out my senior year of high school. God, I listened to this album so much the tape wore out.

[@tedharris3230]

Me too falling girl.

[@paulmedlicott7330]

This song always brings back a very specific memory for me. 50 years ago away on holiday for the first time as a callow 17 year old. We were in Newquay in Cornwall, my brother, my best mate and me. After a few beers we stripped naked and ran like loons down the beach in the dark and into the freezing water…it was exhilarating. My best mate is now fighting for his life against blood cancer…he beat one version but a more intense form has surfaced. Thinking of you buddy.

[@paulmedlicott7330]

Sadly my buddy died on the 19th of May and was buried on my birthday a month later. Life eh, but the memories are always there.

[@yandman26]

My favourite song of theirs and my favourite song of all time. I have grown up with R.E.M in my life and my emotions and memories are married to their music. I miss them eternally like a lost friend, but am forever thankful for knowing them.

[@D34DParadise]

Very well said.

[@yandman26]

@@D34DParadise Thank you.

[@shellytarbet3677]

Comforting they have a song for every emotion I happen to be feeling. Very well said thank you

[@Chaosmagician100]

It's 2019, I'm a sophomore at the University of Georgia. It's a Thursday night and I have a big exam tomorrow. I've just spent the night studying with friends on campus. We head to snelling for a late night breakfast before going our separate ways. We have not only prepared ourselves for the test but strengthened our bond of friendship. With heavy eyes, I sit at a red light on my way back to my apartment. A cold January rain falls and the light dances across my windshield with each drop. This song comes on and I think to myself, "I will never forget this night, this moment, this chapter in my life." And I never will.

[@matthewstetson711]

Michael truly appreciates his multi-instrumentalist friend.

[@wernerpay2267]

One of the best songs ever written, timeless!

[@SatanDynastyKiller]

Woah. Had a really emotional day, end of a 13 year relationship, moved out, kept my composure all day. Until I played this.

[@badgerbaiter2888]

Chin up sunshine,it will all be ok in the end. Big hugs

[@byroll01]

:(

[@willowbark5649]

Hope you're doing better. Sending hugs & warm thoughts your way 🤗

[@katyaishere]

Are you doing well now?

[@Justime24]

Stay strong buddy

[@remforever7466]

Absolute perfection. There is nothing so pure as this melody paired with these simply sublime lyrics.

[@remforever7466]

You, I thought I knew you... You I cannot judge... You, I thought you knew me This one laughing quietly, underneath my breath, Nightswimming. 💔

[@bigjumpz]

This song has stopped me in my tracks from the minute I heard it on release. It’s beyond beautiful, it transcends beautiful, it has a life if its own and it will live forever. REM x

[@dalesells6964]

Well let me say am 65 have a great record collection and must say this is THE most BEAUTIFUL song ever written in my opinion.

[@Oh_I_Will]

You’re 65 and this is your FAV….obviously you don’t have a vast collection of

[@ThatGumYouLiked]

Two geniuses. “I’m pining for the moon, and what if there were two” might be the most perfect line in the history of music.

[@aussieevonne7857]

I love this version so much because you can see Michael Stipe just being present and communicating the song together with Mike Mills. He looks like he is enjoying the moment and loving Mike's performance. Expression and enjoyment.

[@scarynoise]

I remember living off of a value jar of strawberry jam for nearly a month at uni, just so I could afford tickets to go see REM in June 2005...damn I'm old! 😂

[@padraicfallon]

Very little brings tears to these 50-year old eyes- the love in Michaels eyes for his old friend!

[@jasonpill179]

I love Mike Mills' piano which is so simple and yet beautiful and Michael's perfect vocal rendition of one of my favourite REM songs... love how at peace Michael looks whilst the song is playing and then as soon as it's over reverts to his uneasy manner of being center stage ❤

[@ian7538]

Absolutely brilliant work by two masters of their craft. It still sounds terrific 21 years after this recording. An underrated band then and now.

[@chriscafferty2922]

A good friend from work in the past, a huge REM fan hadn't seen this. It was a pleasure to share this with him. I don't see much of him now as we're living far apart, different jobs etc. He gave me a copy of Automatic for the People years ago. That's why I'm here.

[@mariamerrill5875]

Probably the best live performance ever, I'd hate to be the band following this masterpiece

[@MrMetalchamp]

How perfect could this be.

[@nickrice5819]

Lovely to see the obvious joy on Michael's face listening to Mike's playing at the end there. Beautiful song and just possibly my favourite

[@Oh_I_Will]

Bel Field yea it is...so out of characters for the perceived prick Michael developed with their audience

[@eamon7799]

My Dad used to come In from pub on Friday night then hit the bath. He used to always put R.e.m. album on c.d. Will always remember. Absolutely class

[@Themanwhocameback2]

Your love for him shines.

[@Brookes79]

The smile that Michael gives to Mike at at end says it all for me

[@maureenreid594]

Thx hadn't noticed!

[@brittanynicolemeyer8843]

Tearing up from the beauty of this all of these years later. Thank you, Michael

[@jeffpursel6004]

One of the best ballads ever. Reminds me of the summer nights of my college years, swimming in streams around town and drinking beer on the banks with the friends that were probably most influential in my life. THE BEST OF TIMES....

[@brianmouland209]

So true I'm 66 years and it recalls the carefree years of my youth

[@gregclay8281]

Same here. Did same thing in college. Takes me back

[@sirknight1399]

Yes, for me it's about nostalgia for my student days (1989-92) that I still feel to this day, more sharply than ever these last 2 years.

[@captainfeedback1]

One of those songs you can forget all about for ages - months, years even - and then you hear it again and remember that, actually, it might be the most beautiful song anyone ever wrote.

[@martinobrien723]

As soon as michael starts to form the first word you know it’s them one of the most distinctive vocalists and best bands that ever performed pure class

[@martinobrien6737]

Hands down one of the most beautiful songs ever written but wow that was a gorgeous version a voice and a piano and pure stillness just wow

[@andrewhawkes7352]

Automatic For The People.....one of the best albums of all time.....

[@luizahm]

Andrew Hawkes agree 100% with you :)

[@laviniumarta501]

100% agree!

[@robintaylor680]

This song does nothing but bring me to tears absolutely tears me up it’s so beautiful it’s unbelievable

[@stephenwebb9547]

Beautiful, just beautiful.

[@BEKim-eb9rz]

I admired her throughout high school, but the courage never came to me. I only watched her shine amongst others, and pined for her under the moon. Six years later, I returned to my hometown for a summer job. She was there. The light in her eyes was “replaced by every day” and the uncertainty of serious mental health issues. Photographs kept turning in my memory, and I recalled her understated persona, culture, and athletic glow. This time, I summoned the courage. Our time together put some of her misfortunes in reverse, and I could not describe my feelings when her fair smile returned. But “these things, they go away”, and I knew that come September, life was going to call us elsewhere. My mind and heart turned endlessly between our quiet laughter and tender moments-how can this work?? Late one evening, she took me swimming at a park that meant very different things to each of us. I floundered by the shore- “you, I thought you knew me”! She, the varsity swimmer, took fluid laps across the lake and back. She I marvelled at in the moonlight. I gathered her heartbeat into my arms; it was so strong, even, and sure-“you, I thought I knew you”!? It became clear that I could not know her, and knew not how to handle her fragility with the right strength, nor her strength with the right fragility. Quite some time after that summer, I heard “Nightswimming” for my first time. Especially when the song comes to two moons, “side by side in orbit, around the fairest sun”, I remember that time together. Ever so brightly.

[@cclark3905]

Your recollection is Sublime

[@lombardfortsoniii8124]

Been a fan since 85. The band I fell in love with grew. As an immature kid of 16, I hated the new stuff. Thankfully, I matured. I still love the crazy college rock stuff but all these songs I used to skip over somehow reach me now. Beautiful music.

[@Oh_I_Will]

REM WAS the new stuff….they had a great 5 year run…and then went downhill rather quickly

[@bswft7786]

I remember the first time I heard this - it was like the world stopped.

[@ThePlastocene]

This is just perfect.

[@robredmond4999]

Beautiful song.

[@michaelgibson4863]

It's probably quite a debate, but having watched Later... since it began in 1992, surely this is the greatest performance of any song, by anyone, on that show.

[@Cndino]

this song is a masterpiece like the whole album, love the piano and the lyrics, his voice, everything

[@notorious-fr9oq]

Totally agree. One of the greatest albums ever written.

[@badboys1769]

Cold play play at faster tempo and it's most to be played like this

[@meesalikeu]

that look at the end, mike & mike were so pleased with each other. and rightly so.

[@jpa221]

I,m currently introducing my 14 year old son to REM. It,s a wonderful experience.

[@adaptivo3692]

Is it just me - I saw in this performance that Michael Stipe is a humble man, and a seeker of grand experience.

[@evelynrange7764]

When a singer can actually sing live 👌❤️

[@cliveparker-skelhon9246]

THE best song ever from REM...so pure 👌

[@saharab4431]

absolutely tearing up at the way michael looks at mike from 3:57 onwards.. i love this band more than anything. such an incredible performance, it's truly beautiful beyond words. they are such wonderful souls and i'm so grateful to have their music.

[@jessicafrasier2805]

I was fortunate enough to see them in Toronto in 1999. Awesome show!

[@ChrischrosBelgium]

I have seen a beautiful documentary about REM. Made me appreciate them even more.

[@bcwest619]

There is no album in the world that has more positively impacted my life than Automatic For The People. When I am down, it sits in the dark with me. When I am up, it celebrates with me. When I'm somewhere it in the middle, it enjoys the peacefulness with me. Automatic For The People is art at its finest.

[@chuleta1976]

I'm almost 45 and have been a fan since I was 12. My musical style has changed a lot over the years. From rock and metal to grunge and punk to ska and rockabilly to folk etc. But the constant has been and always will be REM.

[@Hiphiphooray490]

Come on man. You’re making me cry.

[@lestergreen1190]

Yup.

[@ProfessorChomsky]

"September's coming soon and pining for the moon.." - a brilliant version of a fucking masterpiece x

[@iangrubb6470]

From one of the greatest albums of all time.