| On November 26th, 1996, Lawrence Kansas was host to The Nova Convention (Revisited),
a tribute to local author William S. Burroughs. All of the performers (Patti
Smith, Deborah Harry formerly of Blondie, John Giorno, Philip Glass, Laurie
Anderson, and Ed Sanders) attended the original convention, which took place
in 1978 in New York City. That is, except for one very special guest.
Michael Stipe made an unannounced, guest appearance at the event. There were rumors throughout the city that he was going to show up, but no one would commit to saying that he would be there. Then, less than 24 hours before the event was set to begin, I heard a semi-confirmed report (I talked to someone who knew the manager at the Lied Center, where the event was to be held) that he was definitely going to be there. Luckily, tickets were still available, and I was able to sneak my camera into the venue! |
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| Michael Stipe singing "Long Road" alongside Lenny Kaye and Oliver Raye. This song is a Pearl Jam cover. | ||
Michael greeting Patti after his solo performance...he later returned to perform backing vocals alongside her. |
Michael and Patti doing a "reverse Ebow." Michael improvised a background chorus as Patti recited an excerpt from Burroughs' Queer. |
You can also see my photos of the most
significant REM landmarks by visiting the R.E.M. / Athens,
GA "Tour."
If you have a tape of this show, please
email me
to work something out. I
would be willing to trade for copies of these pictures, or other REM boots.
Patti Smith and her band performing their four song acoustic set including
"Southern Cross," "Dancing Barefoot," and "Gone Again."