All Of It: The Foundation of R.E.M. (Full Bio) – Detailed Summary
Podcast Information:
- Title: All Of It
- Host: Alison Stewart
- Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators about the what and why of their work.
- Episode: The Foundation of R.E.M. (Full Bio)
- Release Date: December 16, 2024
Introduction to "Full Bio" and R.E.M.
Alison Stewart kicks off the episode by introducing the "Full Bio" series—a book-focused segment where she delves deep into the lives of influential figures through comprehensive biographies. The spotlight today is on R.E.M., one of the most transformative bands in rock history, as chronicled in Peter Ames Carlin's biography, The Name of This Band is R.E.M. R.E.M.'s monumental success, selling over 85 million albums, and being hailed by The New Yorker as the band that created alternative rock, sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of their origins and impact.
Michael Stipe: Early Life and Influences
Michael Stipe, the frontman of R.E.M., was born on January 4, 1960, in Decatur, Georgia. His upbringing as an "army brat" under the influence of his father, Lieutenant Colonel John Stipe, a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, instilled in him traits of self-sufficiency and adaptability. Despite the upheaval of frequent relocations and the strains of a military lifestyle, Michael maintained a tight-knit family bond.
A poignant anecdote illustrates the unconditional support he received at home. In [03:59], a listener recounts how Michael, during his high school years, attended a Rocky Horror Picture Show dressed as Frank N. Furter. When confronted by his father, Michael simply affirmed his rebellious act, and his father responded with a shrug and a supportive, "Have a nice night." This moment encapsulates the acceptance and freedom that shaped Michael's bold and experimental artistic persona.
Notable Quote:
Michael Stipe (01:05): "We'd like to thank the fans who have stuck with us for 27 years... I would like personally thank Peter, Mike and Bill for allowing a frankly fantastical teenage dream to become an adult and lifetime reality."
The Influence of Patti Smith
A significant influence on Michael Stipe was Patti Smith, whose ability to blend punk rock's edginess with sophisticated, emotionally rich lyrics and poetry profoundly impacted him. As Peter Ames Carlin explains in [06:55], Patti Smith's fusion of visceral rock elements with literary artistry demonstrated to Michael the power of combining intense musical expression with profound lyrical content. This blend became a cornerstone of R.E.M.'s artistic identity.
Notable Quote:
Peter Ames Carlin (06:55): "Her ability to contrast kind of edgy, punky rock and roll with really sophisticated and emotionally revealing lyrics... showed him something about how a person could combine that kind of visceral attack of rock and roll with the higher language of poetry."
Formation of Early Cover Bands: Jots and Bad Habits
Before forming R.E.M., Michael was involved in several cover bands. Bad Habits, a punk and new wave-focused band, provided Michael with his first taste of performing live. Their stint at the Mississippi Knights club in St. Louis, opening for Rockpile, showcased Michael's hypnotic stage presence despite being an inexperienced teenager. This experience not only honed his performance skills but also solidified his passion for music.
Notable Incident: During a show with Bad Habits, two young women and their boyfriends attempted to assault the band members out of jealousy over Michael's captivating performance. Although Michael remained uninvolved in the ensuing altercation, the incident highlighted his magnetic appeal as a performer.
Peter Buck: From St. Louis to Athens
Peter Buck, R.E.M.'s guitarist, grew up in a musically inclined family in St. Louis. His father, having served in the Marines and experienced the hardships of war, later worked for a mattress company. Peter excelled academically, reportedly achieving the highest SAT scores in Georgia in 1975, though this claim remains unverified.
Despite his academic prowess, Peter felt disconnected from the conventional educational path. He attended Emory University but soon realized his true passion lay in music rather than academia. After leaving Emory, he worked in record stores, which would later play a pivotal role in his meeting with Michael Stipe.
Notable Traits: Peter was known for his quiet demeanor, intellectual curiosity, and self-taught musical skills, particularly his proficiency with the guitar, which he honed by listening to records and experimenting on his own.
Mike Mills and Bill Barry: Contrasting Personalities
Alison Stewart delves into the dynamic between Mike Mills (bassist) and Bill Barry (drummer), who both attended high school with Michael Stipe. Their initial antagonistic relationship, rooted in their contrasting personalities, evolved into a strong friendship through music.
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Bill Barry: Described as a rebellious outsider, Bill was the youngest sibling in his family, often grumbling and keeping to himself.
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Mike Mills: In stark contrast, Mike was the quintessential "pencil-neck geek"—well-dressed, academically successful, and charmingly articulate.
Their first collaboration in the Shadow Facts, a high school cover band, marked the beginning of their journey toward forming R.E.M. Their ability to harmonize musically despite early tensions underscored the power of shared passion in overcoming personal differences.
Notable Quote:
Listener (15:34): "Bill Barry was a little bit of a rebel, kind of an outsider kid... whereas Mike Mills was... like a pencil neck geek... they became really, really close friends."
The Birth of R.E.M.: Connecting in Athens
The convergence of Michael Stipe and Peter Buck occurred in Athens, Georgia, at a local record store named Wuxtree, where Peter was employed. Their mutual love for punk and new wave music and frequent discussions about obscure bands fostered a creative synergy. Encouraged by a mutual friend, Kathleen O'Brien, Michael and Peter began jamming together, eventually integrating Bill Barry and Mike Mills into the lineup.
This newfound collaboration was immediate and profound, with all members sensing the potential for something significant. Their collective efforts and shared vision laid the foundation for R.E.M., a band destined to redefine the landscape of alternative rock.
Choosing the Name R.E.M.
The process of naming the band was both spontaneous and symbolic. After dismissing several regrettable and insensitive names such as Slut Bank and Negro Wives, the band members sought a name that was abstract and non-restrictive. Michael Stipe stumbled upon the term R.E.M., an abbreviation for Rapid Eye Movement, the sleep phase associated with dreaming.
Despite not initially connecting with the name's literal meaning, they were drawn to its aesthetic—the separation by periods and the indefinable quality it conveyed. R.E.M. symbolized their desire to defy easy categorization and to allow their music to speak for itself without preconceived notions.
Notable Quote:
Listener (29:54): "REM... he just liked the fact that it was three letters and that they were separated by periods. There was something about the look of it that appealed to his eye... it felt indefinable."
Conclusion
This episode of All Of It offers a comprehensive look into the early days of R.E.M., highlighting the personal backgrounds, creative influences, and dynamic interactions that coalesced into one of the most influential bands in music history. Through Alison Stewart's insightful discussion and Peter Ames Carlin's detailed biography, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of how R.E.M.'s unique blend of musical innovation and artistic integrity was born.
Stay Tuned: The next episode of "Full Bio" will continue exploring R.E.M.'s journey, focusing on how the band learned the importance of retaining their masters and their innovative use of producers to craft their distinctive sound.