A collaboration between rock and roll legend Neil Young and R.E.M. has been dubbed a “spiritual experience” by viewers.
The pair took to the stage for a stellar performance of an Out of Time hit, with R.E.M. drafting in the Harvest Moon hitmaker to help out with a rendition of Country Feedback. Their 1998 performance at the Shoreline Amphitheatre has been hailed by viewers, with the unlikely crossover delighting those watching it decades later. Some consider the performance to be the best piece of live music they have ever witnessed, while others honed in on Young’s guitar playing as the perfect addition to one of R.E.M.’s very best songs.
One fan wrote: “Well I didn’t expect to have a spiritual experience and cry my eyes out at 8.30 in the morning but here we are. I’m so grateful I found this song.” Another added: “This performance, I don’t think I have ever seen anything better in my life. I’m in awe of R E M and Neil Young. This is absolutely amazing.”
A third shared: “R.E.M. and for some reason this song in particular represent a sensibility that no longer seems to exist in our culture.” Others were keen to praise Young’s instrumental skill, with many comments highlighting his experience on guitar.
One wrote: “The magic of Neil’s guitar has always been his ability to mimic the tension in human dialogue… not that his notes sound like a human voice but that his notes mimic that bickering back and forth of a couple in the throws of an argument. It plays so damn well with this song. Absolutely love this version.”
Another added: “Neil’s playing is just perfect.” A third shared: “What do you do when Neil Young does Neil Young things on your favorite REM song? You simply sit and listen. One of Michael’s finest vocal performances ever.”
Frontman Michael Stipe received praise elsewhere for another rock and roll collaboration. He took to the stage with Bruce Springsteen just a few years after this performance.
The R.E.M. frontman is set to release his first solo album later this year, but during his time with the Man on the Moon hitmakers, Stipe found himself sharing the stage with The Boss. Springsteen and Stipe performed Because the Night, a Patti Smith Group song that has featured recently on the Land of Hope and Dreams tour.
Springsteen performs the song as part of a marathon twenty-seven song set on most nights of his North American tour. A performance in 2004 saw Stipe join him for a rendition of the track, which has been praised by those watching a clip of the performance on YouTube.
One viewer wrote: “I am a huge fan of both Springsteen & REM, but Michael Stipe has to be one of the most unlikely rock Gods ever. Stipe is so different, but it’s his peculiarities that make him so good.” Another agreed, adding: “I’m a Springsteen fanatic and this version of Because the Night with Michael Stipe is just awesome.” A third wrote: “I could watch Michael Stipe dance forever.”
You can watch R.E.M. and Young’s collaboration below.
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