Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy Celebrate Classic R.E.M. at the Bellwether

R.E.M. Tribute Act Gathers Momentum as Fans Reconnect with Classic Hits

In the evolving world of rock music, few bands have left as significant an imprint as R.E.M. The group, which emerged from Athens, Georgia, became synonymous with college rock in the 1980s, captivating audiences with their enigmatic sounds and thought-provoking lyrics. Their evolution reached a turning point with the release of "Lifes Rich Pageant" in 1986, a record that marked a shift toward more straightforward songwriting under the guidance of producer Don Gehman. This transition opened the door to mainstream recognition, culminating in the success of the 1987 album "Document," which included the band’s first major hit, "The One I Love."

For Jason Narducy, the impact of "Document" is deeply personal. Reflecting on his high school experience in Evanston, Illinois, Narducy stated, "’Document’ was my on-ramp to R.E.M. I was hooked from the start of ‘The Finest Worksong.’ I loved that whole record." As he explored the band’s discography, he discovered a special affinity for "Lifes Rich Pageant." "That album is just so close to my heart," he added.

Now, as the touring bassist for Superchunk, Narducy has gained an intimate familiarity with "Lifes Rich Pageant," performing the album nightly with actor and singer-songwriter Michael Shannon. Their collaboration has grown organically over time, beginning with a performance of Lou Reed’s "The Blue Mask." In the years following, they have tackled R.E.M.’s "Murmur" in its entirety and are set to embark on tours for "Fables of the Reconstruction."

"This has all happened in an organic way," Narducy expressed. "We didn’t look for this band to happen like it has. What’s interesting is that we played smaller markets like Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Palm Desert, and people came out. What we’re doing is very audience-driven."

The duo’s setlists reflect their dedication to R.E.M.’s broad catalog, often including deep cuts like "Romance" from the 1988 release "Eponymous." "Mike and I were adamant about playing a song like ‘Romance,’" Narducy remarked. "We found it amusing that when we played it, about three or four people were going wild, and some of the audience would just take a bathroom break."

Through his R.E.M. performances, Narducy has noted improvement in his own musicianship, particularly with the song "I Believe." "Learning how to play that song properly has made me a much better guitar player," he said, emphasizing the technical prowess of R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck.

Beyond the cover band dynamic, Narducy remains focused on original music with his own band, Split Single. Recently, they had a remarkable experience at Athens’ 40 Watt Club, where they performed alongside all members of R.E.M. for "Pretty Persuasion." Narducy recalled, "That was not planned. It blew the roof off of the place. People were crying. I couldn’t help but fall into fan mode. It was amazing."

The surge in tribute acts reflects a growing demand for the music of bands like R.E.M., with Narducy noting the trend in regions like England, where numerous Oasis cover bands exist. "People want to celebrate the music made by their favorite bands," he observed.

Looking ahead, Narducy and Shannon remain uncertain about future tours tied to R.E.M. albums. With the 40th anniversary of "Lifes Rich Pageant" approaching, he acknowledged, "There are no plans to go out and do ‘Document’… We’ll see. We just can’t believe how this is going." Their upcoming performance at the Riviera in Chicago, which has already sold half its tickets, is a testament to their growing popularity.

Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy and Friends
When: 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19
Where: The Bellwether, 333 S. Boylston Street
Cost: $54.25
Info: 213-293-2100