The University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL
Nov. 5, 1987
soundboard recording (quality: EX, a pristine recording)
SAMPLE: Auctioneer (Another Engine) live UIC '87
ROB SEZ: For a good while, there was a rule of thumb in R. E. M. fan circles that went something like this: if you're looking for live soundboard recordings from 1986 and 1987, don't bother. Other than the live bonus disc released for the 25th anniversary of Document (and a rather odd benefit concert in January 1986), said the rule, there just aren't any soundboard recordings from 1986 or '87. Then, earlier this year—like musical manna—T. Patton Biddle (Pat the Wiz) shared with me a good handful of soundboard recordings, a couple of which are pretty much perfect. Recently, I shared a soundboard recording from the 1986 Pageantry Tour launch on Sept. 5th in Pelham, AL.
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| Can you tell I LOVE this photo? Michael onstage, Charleston, WV on 14 Oct. 1987 photo credit: grumpnet |
This week, I'm sharing a pristine soundboard recording from the 1987 Work Tour. For my money, the performance and sound quality are second only to the Document anniversary bonus disc. Full credit to Pat and Buren Fowler, the band's guitar tech and supplemental guitarist for live performances in '86 and '87. Buren gave the FOH sound guy a 90-minute tape and asked him to record as much of the show as would fit on it. Pat then digitized the tape, and this is the fabulous result—even though it lacks 6 songs played that night. Later, Buren shared this and other tapes with Pat, who held onto them after Buren's death in 2014.
Just one request: play this one LOUD!
More soundboards from the 1987 tour are coming.
Stay tuned...
thank you
ReplyDeleteAmazing!
ReplyDeleteI'm usually not at the right place at the right time -- but this was an exception. I just asked the right guy at the right time, and here's what happened.
Deletethanks for this one Rob, fantastic!
ReplyDeletealso huge thanks to the above for sharing there audio gold.
Cheers Colin. Enjoy!
DeleteI became a huge Buren Fowler from his time with Drivin N Cryin, as well as hearing him with REM. With the gift of these recordings I think he qualifies for sainthood. Music is a miraculous thing and we are blessed for this. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGlad you mentioned his time in Drivin N Cryin. I agree with everything you said, Doc!
DeleteThanks. Got to hang with Buren once. Really nice guy. Cool that his rock legacy lives on.
ReplyDeleteAlways grateful for ancient REM Soundboards! Thanks so much for sharing! Killer
ReplyDeleteCheers, CB. I guess these recordings are pretty "ancient." Then again, I'm starting to resemble that label myself! 8-)
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