One of the most iconic live music photographs of the ‘80s is now available for you to own....in a rare, collectible form.
On August 18, 1983, R.E.M. opened up a concert at New York’s Shea Stadium for Joan Jett and The Police.
The rainy evening featured an inspired performance by a young R.E.M. and a provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for photographer Michael Plen to capture one of the most enduring images of R.E.M.’s career: guitarist Peter Buck suspended in mid-air rock ‘n’ roll glory high above a misty baseball field in Flushing, Queens.
As Head of Promotion at IRS Records, Plen helped R.E.M. get on the radio and onto the Shea Stadium stage. He says a number of factors allowed his iconic snap to come to fruition.
“My mom had just returned from Japan with a gift of a super cool camera lens that didn’t distort. Thanks MOM!," Plen recalls. "I took it the next night to Shea. In working with IRS Records and The Police camp, they kindly let me shoot with the view from the stage out to the fans.”
No other photographers were up there during R.E.M.'s set.
“R.E.M. were always moving. Michael’s stillness and gesturing, Bill’s whiplash drums, Mike’s dancing, and of course flyin’ Peter Buck. He could have easily landed at LaGuardia airport nearby with that move. It was a moment that grasped the breadth of how big R.E.M. were becoming by playing the massive Shea, but they’d already arrived. Their magnetism of pulling off playing this mighty show is still unforgettable.”
For the first time ever, R.E.M. have graciously created a one-time only memory of this legendary picture available in a LIMITED run of 50 copies. SIGNED.
All 4 band members, Bill Berry, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe, Buck and the photographer Plen have signed this LIMITED EDITION photo.
It has never been available signed. It will not be available signed after this.
The high-quality 24” x 12” Artist Print lithos are available both unsigned and in the limited-edition 50 autographed copies.
"R.E.M.’s music has taken me all over the world and it’s truly music to be cherished in the heart and soul."
Photo: Courtesy of Michael Plen