Remember Them This Way

March 15, 1991, and I'm in the very intimate confines of the Borderline club in London, watching a combo called Bingo Hand Job. The band members are Raoul, Spanish Charlie, The Doc, Ophelia, Violet, Conrad and Stinky. But actually, they are Michael Stipe and the rest of the REM combo, plus friends like Billy Bragg, Robyn Hitchcock and Peter Holsapple.

There's quite a sense of occasion. Prior to this, the band had toured for a couple of years with 'Green', but with the appearance of 'Out Of Time', there's no rush to repeat the experience. Instead, they will play a few 'surprise' gigs like this one. Hence the frenzy for tickets outside, the desperate US college kids on Charing Cross Road and the silly prices on offer.

What we get are bijou performances of 'Half A World Away', 'Radio Song', 'Losing My Religion' and some errant cover versions like 'Love Is All Around' and 'Tom's Diner'. Michael is quietly transfixed. A few fans are weeping. It's quite a good one.

I wasn't so moved when I heard that REM had quit. The sense of empathy has long gone, and I'd be pushed to hum a recent song. However, I'm still intending to play a song or two on the show tonight for sentimental reasons. If you feel that way also, please send in a request.