R.E.M. - Drive (2008)
“Snap, crack, bushwhack!"
Experience the haunting, atmospheric power of R.E.M. as they perform their classic hit "Drive" in a rare and intimate television appearance.This performance was recorded on March 13, 2008, at the KLRU-TV studios in Austin, Texas, for the legendary PBS series Austin City Limits. Taped during the week of the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, the concert served as a high-energy preview of their fourteenth studio album, Accelerate. While the set was packed with new, fast-paced rockers, this rendition of "Drive" provided a somber, mid-tempo highlight that showcased the band’s legendary dynamic range.🎸 The Story Behind the Song "Drive" was the lead single from R.E.M.’s landmark 1992 album, Automatic for the People, an record that defined the somber, acoustic-driven sound of the early 90s.The "Rock On" Homage: The song’s famous refrain, "Hey kids, rock and roll," was a direct tribute to David Essex's 1973 hit "Rock On.” (sic?) However, Michael Stipe transformed the phrase into something far more cynical and political, reflecting the "Bush-whacked" era of the early 1990s.A Song Without a Chorus: Musically, "Drive" is a rarity in pop history—a Top 40 hit that lacks a traditional chorus. It relies instead on a relentless, building tension and a stark, folk-inspired arrangement.The Transition: While the studio version is famous for its swelling John Paul Jones string arrangement, the live 2008 version emphasizes the interplay between Peter Buck’s electric guitar and the steady, driving rhythm that gives the song its title.✨ Musical Highlights Vocal Mastery: In this 2008 taping, Michael Stipe delivers a powerhouse vocal performance. By this stage of the band's career, Stipe had mastered the art of live improvisation, adding a seasoned grit to the lyrics while maintaining the song's eerie, hypnotic allure.Peter Buck’s Guitar Work: Watch for the mid-song solo where Peter Buck’s signature Rickenbacker jangle takes a backseat to a heavier, more distorted tone. This specific tour was characterized by a "return to rock," and even the band's older hits were infused with a new, aggressive energy.The Tightest Lineup: Along with core members Stipe, Buck, and Mike Mills, this performance features the exceptional backing of longtime auxiliary members Scott McCaughey and drummer Bill Rieflin, creating a wall of sound that perfectly fills the historic ACL stage.🏛️ About Austin City Limits 2008 R.E.M.’s appearance on Austin City Limits was a major event, marking the first time the band had ever performed on the longest-running music program in television history. The episode originally aired in May 2008 (Season 34, Episode 4) and was later released in its entirety as the live DVD Live from Austin, TX. This performance is widely regarded by fans as one of the band's best filmed sets from their final years, capturing them in a city that had championed their music since their early days on the college rock circuit.Subscribe for more legendary live performances and deep dives into the history of R.E.M. and the icons of alternative rock!
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R.E.M. - "Drive" [Live from Austin, TX]
From the R.E.M. album 'Live From Austin, TX' available now on DVD:
https://www.livefromaustintx.com
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