It’s Michael Stipe on stage at the Hammersmith Apollo last night. After listening to their music for going on 20 years, I finally got to see R.E.M. play live. I was lucky enough to get a ticket for the Make Trade Fair charity concert. It was the first time they’ve played the Apollo (formerly the Hammersmith Odeon) in 17 years, and the first time they’ve been on stage together in 11 months. It was a good rehearsal for their upcoming gigs. They’re heading back to America to help Bruce Springsteen get rid of that dangerous buffoon.