At the start of the first of five rehearsal shows in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre, R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe mentions various people among which Bono and The Edge. He thanks the pair for ‘keeping him grounded’. U2′s singer and guitarist both attended the show.

R.E.M. is currently recording a new album in Dublin. The band is using these shows to try out the new songs they have been writing. Fans report the new songs have an old school – Fables/Document era – feel.

Reported working titles: Horse to Water, Living Well ‘s the Best Revenge, Tomorrow, Staring down the barrel of the middle Distance, On the Fly, Until the Day is Done, Mr. Richards.

Visit www.remdublin.com.
Photos at REMHQ.