---
author: Eric Wagoner
date: '2006-09-13T14:49:27'
draft: false
title: Ten Years of Stalking Finally Pays Off
---

After nearly ten years of living and working around Athens, I finally saw R.E.M. perform at one of their notorious unannounced performances. It was a combination release party for [_And I Feel Fine: Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982-1987_ CD](http://athensmusic.net/product_info.php?products_id=1318) and [_When the Light is Mine: Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982-1987_ DVD](http://athensmusic.net/product_info.php?products_id=1319) sets from R.E.M. and _Finest Worksongs: Athens Bands Play the Music of R.E.M._ benefit CD. I had a hunch, and sure enough the original four (plus another fellow I didn't know) were the second band to play. Mike Mills and Peter Buck returned to the stage throughout the night to play with the other bands. Thirteen dollars was quite a small price to play to see R.E.M. play from ten feet away at the Fabulous 40 Watt. EDIT: I knew he looked familiar, but I couldn't place him at the time. The fifth band member was none other than [Young Fresh Fellows](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Young_Fresh_Fellows) frontman [Scott McCaughey](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_McCaughey). I think that probably maximizes the jealousy felt by my fellow Techies.