R.E.M. has officially called it quits... more ›

The Creator's Project is right around the corner in October, and promises a "colossal cultural extravaganza" that includes a psycho-opera by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Karen O. Among the artists featured in this year's program is the overwhelmingly creative Michael Stipe, lead singer of the greatest American rock band of the '80s (not featuring Paul Westerberg), R.E.M. In the video below, you can get some insights into Stipe's work, which includes paintings, photographs, sculptures and websites. Among other things, he raves about his Tumblr site ("when do you see that many Yoko Ono's in one place?") and the enduring legacy of punk rock ("christmas lights all year round"). Watch below: more ›

The four astronauts of the final space shuttle mission were greeted by R.E.M. front man Michael Stipe while on board Atlantis. From earth, Stipe sang them part of "Man On The Moon," acapella. He then told them: more ›

Last night at Baruch College's Mason Hall in Manhattan, a motley crew of indie rock and power pop all-stars came together to pay tribute to the seminal Third/Sisters Lovers album by Big Star. The group of musicians, which included Michael Stipe and Mike Mills of R.E.M., Ira Kaplan of Yo La Tengo, Matthew Sweet and original Big Star drummer Jody Stephens, was organized and directed by Chris Stamey of the dBs, one of the descendants of Big Star. It was a reverential but heartfelt evening, with upwards of 10 people on stage at a time bringing the haunted, drug-addled album to life with generous, often upbeat arrangements, including full string and brass sections. more ›

R.E.M. stormed through town a couple of times this week, first hitting Jones Beach over the weekend, then MSG last night. The Long Island show was a bust for some when the skies opened up and life threatening lightning struck the upper deck of the amphitheater, delaying the bands start. The soaked and scared fans were left with little direction from management, with many bailing on the evening once it was delayed, assuming the looming lightning would keep the band offstage all night. While the venue's questionable safety standards is a serious cause for concern to anyone considering attending a show at the beachside theater (there was plenty of lightning in the sky even after R.E.M. took the stage), those who stuck it out were treated to quite the special show, with the band starting things off with a cover of "Have you Ever Seen the Rain," and plowing through a nearly full length greatest-hits set that went well past curfew. more ›

The Food Bank for New York City held their 5th Annual Can-Do Awards Dinner and fund raiser last night at Chelsea Piers. For the past 25 years, the Food Bank has worked to end hunger by giving low-income New Yorkers access to affordable and healthy food. Last night's dinner was hosted by classy actor Stanley Tucci and attended by celebrities like Michael Stipe, Gwyneth Paltrow and Mike D; musical performances were by Angela McCluskey, Jill Hennessey, Joseph Arthur and Mike Mills. more ›

Perhaps in an effort to capitalize on some pending April Fools Day confusion, (or, less cynically, to honor the cozy club,) Norah Jones made a surprise appearance at the Living Room on Monday night. The Ludlow street lounge, which has been celebrating its 10-year anniversary with night after night of packed lineups with a sprinkling of some big names, is where the Queen of Mom Music got her start many years ago. more ›

Brooklyn-based quintet The National have spent the last nine years slowly and steadily evolving from bar-band hobby to indie rock royalty, a success built out of old fashioned techniques like laborious songwriting, tireless gigging and the organic cultivation of their own distinct sound: a bruised, moody elegance that swells and crashes under the dreamy baritone of front man Matt Berninger. Their fourth and most recent album, Boxer, was a usual suspect on critical top ten lists for 2007, and the acclaim snowballed into a spot on the bill touring with Modest Mouse and R.E.M. this June. On Friday and Saturday night they play two sold out shows at the Brooklyn Academy of Music opera house. more ›