I first heard REM when I was 10. I was trying to be cool so I was “hanging out” in my brother’s room (little did I know my brother was not even cool but rather a total nerd) while he was listening to music. My music history up until then was either Raffi and other kid songs or The Beatles (my dad always had them on) which is and always will be my other staple and favorite.
Since that day my life was forever changed. I have seen them in concert too many times to count, I follow their news, my brother’s life and wife is what it is because of the band, and many life lessons I have learned through their songs. And now about fourteen years later, I credit REM for bringing people into my life that wouldn’t have been, for making my brother turn from an insecure nerd to a confident, if ever so slightly too much, businessman and great husband. I have hung out with members of the band, gotten to know some of the minds behind the music, and for some reason they seem to come up in conversation a lot.
How did my brother meet his wife? Because of Mike Mills
He created a website that has caused me to meet some amazing people..plus a whole lot of unamazing people LOL
It got him his job, and therefore free cds for me!
I feel a magic at an REM concert that I wish and hope other people can feel and if they do feel that magic then I automatically feel a kindred spirit connection with them. And I hope people can at least feel that magic about something in their life.
Watching Michael command a stage is like a dream come alive.
When I find a hot boy who loves REM I am snagging him.
Some of my best friends I have met because of the band, at concerts, etc.
I have driven in a car all the way to New Mexico (ok well I didn’t drive but we did take my car) just to see them in concert.
I use Michael’s lyrics in everyday life as lessons I have learned.
I have learned about courage to be unique: “I was brought into this life a little lab, courageous, stublin..Fearless was my middle name but somewhere there I lost my way..Everyone walks the same…Expecting me to step the narrow path they’ve laid. They claim to walk unafraid, I’ll be clumsy instead.”
I have learned about Love: “The stars are the greatest thing you’ve ever seen…they’re there for you cause you alone you are the everything.”
I have learned about following my own path: “ I have got to leave to find my way. Watch the road and memorize this life that pass before my eyes..”
Hell the title of my blog – an REM song (my favorite in fact)
Why do I tell you all of this?
Because, REM has been my butterfly effect. It is a little band that has shaped my life in more ways than I could imagine.
And, I have a feeling it will cause more flutters
Plus, the next tour…I can see the magic come alive once again.
5 comments:
I'm looking forward to another concert road trip. Your brother's creation and byt extension REM has been responsible for meeting a lot of great people oh like.. you. Here's looking forward to the next tour and some more great memories.
Well said :)
"I feel a magic at an REM concert that I wish and hope other people can feel and if they do feel that magic then I automatically feel a kindred spirit connection with them. And I hope people can at least feel that magic about something in their life."
Attending the first REM concert in South Africa was one of the high points of my life. And I (myself, actually, all the way) drove for two days to get there, and two days to get back. It sounds so stupid, but to REM live again is one of my dreams in life. I'm thinking of emigrating, because I don't think they'll come to South Africa again.
My kindred spirit! You wrote exactly how my soul feels. It's hard to explain how R.E.M. has filled my life with pure joy for 25 years. I'm older than you and have been following the band since 1981 (I live in Atlanta, so I was lucky enough to see them pre-record contract). I'll check your blog regularly.
well done. i too owe a lot to rem and their music. it was summer 1986, "second guessing" was the song and then "letter never sent" to follow. turns out it was the most important and influential time of my life, I was 14. i am not a blogger, but maybe i should be. I read bob mould's all the time. i am feeling inspired and possibly missing out on a community of folks who are thinking the way i did back in 1986. I could use a bit more inspiration. very well said, thanks.
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