Foster Auditorium, Tuscaloosa, November 1985, Fables tour. I drove down to the show with my friend Tommy; we were still just sophomores in high school. 10,000 Maniacs opened, incredible show. Afterwards, we pretended to be part of the clean-up crew and stuck around to try to meet the band. We had a great conversation with Bill and Peter — Peter was wearing actual blue suede shoes. Such nice guys! Michael and Natalie Merchant were hanging out together talking to some other people. As the band was leaving, they asked if we wanted to join them barhopping. We were 16, so age kept us from what would have been an even more memorable night.

I met Peter again 30 years later when he was touring with Robyn Hitchcock. Still just as personable and genuine.

There is no way to measure the profound impact R.E.M.’s music has had on me, my youth and adult life, my overall outlook on the world. Their music is just as important to me now as it was over 40 years ago. 

DAVID SEALE is an educator and writer from Birmingham, Alabama.

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