I somehow missed R.E.M. when they played at my alma mater Queens College while on the “Murmur” tour, but I did catch them at Madison Square Garden supporting the “ Monster” album on Saturday, June 25, 1995 thanks to my buddy Pat from the Video Connection hooking me up with a pair in the orchestra to the left of the stage. The “Monster” album was a harder rock version of the punk band and it played well in the arena setting. It was a great show with Michael Stipe playing the thinking man’s new wave rock star front man. The orchestra seats at the world’s most famous arena were tremendous, and a Madison Square Garden event is always special, making for a top shelf rock and roll night out with my wife watching R.E.M. perform quite possibly at its zenith.

Crush with Eyeliner

Rock on!

GQ