R.E.M. Announces First Shows In Two Years

Most bands crowd into dimly lit basements or sit around their parents’ living rooms to rehearse new material before packing up and heading into the studio. Thankfully, most bands are not R.E.M.

Soon after their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last month, the Athens-based legends announced a special five-night residency at Dublin’s historic Olympia Theatre for June 30 and July 1, 3, 4 and 5.

The shows, their first in nearly two years, will be a chance for Michael Stipe, Peter Buck and Mike Mills to test out songs for their upcoming 14th LP, the recording of which will commence in Dublin, Vancouver, and Athens, Ga., shortly thereafter. Grammy-winning producer Jacknife Lee, who met with the band in Athens in February, will be at the controls throughout the record-making process.

Don’t go calling up your travel agent about a summer vacation to Ireland, though. Tickets for all five nights have already sold out. Check back here early and often for any word on the as-yet-untitled new record.

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