R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe Talks to Jacobin
Jacobin chatted with former R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe about why he backed Bernie Sanders, his longtime support for progressive causes including South African anti-apartheid organizing, and why the B-52s are “fucking amazing.”
Michael Stipe of R.E.M. during the Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards in Atlanta, Georgia, 2006. (Rick Diamond / WireImage for Georgia Department of Economic Development)
Michael Stipe is the former frontman of R.E.M., an American rock band that pioneered the alternative rock genre and influenced bands like Nirvana and Radiohead. Despite R.E.M.’s retirement, Stipe is still active as a singer-songwriter. His next single will be out within the next month.
Stipe is also a committed progressive activist who has championed progressive causes such as gun control and voting rights, and once introduced Bernie Sanders at a Coney Island campaign rally. He recently joined Jacobin’s Garrison Lovely to discuss his career, upbringing, politics, and much more.
Garrison Lovely
I saw this incredible video of a 2001 performance of “Losing My Religion” at Trafalgar Square. The crowd goes absolutely nuts when the song starts. And you have this big grin on your face when you look at the rest of the band.
Michael Stipe
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