R.E.M. - "South Central Rain," 6 October 1983 video free download

Mark Narkowicz

I reckon they sound out of tune

Kurt Blake

Letterman has Peter Buck SQUIRMING in the beginning, like a bratty little boy that's holding back a tantrum!

subsamadhi

@Vern Lovic actually dude Michael Stipe is notoriously shy and he probably was having anxiety about this performance. Do some research. 

fhhfgj

Wow back when REM and David Letterman were cool!

Tsnore

Notice the aloof lofty "artist", Stipe, who doesn't interact with the crude Letterman.. This is funny because I saw them in 1985 in Maine when they were just breaking among the bumpkins and Stipe was so educatorial about what audiences should or shouldn't do and be. Glad he finally chilled after their mega-success ($ millions).

Vern Lovic

I'm guessing Michael Stipe was BAKED and Dave didn't want to talk to him. Dave hates when people come on the show like that... Did Dave ever invite them back? 

John Gault

michael didn't like the spot light aye... look at him hiding behind the guitarist . poor guy, he looked pretty uncomfortable there. he was a weird guy ah ?

Candy A Slice

Best band of the 8os is the underrated XTC.

Candy A Slice

I prefer rem to U2. Cuz, bono acted like a messiah on stage. These songs were less commercial as well.

alantmac

Rapid Ear Movement

Lola Flores

Nice song! These guys are going to go places! :)

JASCOBAR

Peter had that John Lennon like look.

jakethesnakecombs

Wow. That was tight. Notice how well-arranged it was, right down to the backing vocals, everything was polished (unlike the usual early R.E.M. shows' chaotic sloppiness). I believe the line about it being "so new it didn't have a name yet" is one of the band's pantented lies.I didn't watch David Letterman that particular night. If I hadda I woulda bought the record the next day. My favorite band back then was Corrosion of Conformity.

Brian Lawrence

I feel the studio version didn't have as prominent of bass, which is a shame, because the bass line is huge in this song. Could have been my record player back then though haha.

ianA

THAT jangle of Peter's guitar and punchy, rubbery bass line from Mike, Michael's Elvis-like crooning and Bill's steady hand.....

Caren Leggero

there :)) 

Laurie Cheers

Stipe has said he was very shy and inarticulate at that age; he was the lead singer, but didn't want to be the front man.

andysocial61

30 years!!!! this STILL breaks me up...... I still keep sending this to politicians, such a small word they have sooooo much much trouble with...... REM changed the world, eternally grateful peas......

St.godless

proof that R.E.M. was always a class act and Letterman was always an ass hat..not that anyone ever thought otherwise

skaterbun

Stipe probs thought letterman was a dick

R.E.M.

R.E.M. - Radio Free Europe 10-06-83 (1st TV performance)

R.E.M.

R.E.M. - Driver 8 (Rare Acoustic Performance)

R.E.M.

R.E.M. - (HQ) So. Central Rain / Have You Ever Seen The Rain? - 2 Oct 85 (5/12)

REM

REM - (Don't Go Back To) Rockville (live)