R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe took to the stage Monday night in New York City as the unannounced opening act for Patti Smith at Webster Hall, performing a six-song set that included two numbers by his old band and four covers — including ”Theme From ‘New York, New York.’” Performing on keyboards and joined by two other musicians, Stipe performed R.E.M.’s “Saturn Return” and “New Test Leper,” plus covers of Vic Chesnutt’s “Lucinda Williams,” Smith’s own “Wing,” Perfume Genius’ “Hood” and the aforementioned “New York, New York,” popularized by Liza Minelli and Frank Sinatra.
In the years since R.E.M.’s breakup, Stipe has performed sporadically, most recently at Peter Buck’s wedding in 2013 and with Coldplay’s Chris Martin at the 12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief.
Setlist: Michael Stipe, Webster Hall, New York, NY, 12/29/14
1. “Lucinda Williams” (Vic Chesnutt)
2. “Theme From ‘New York, New York’”
3. “Wing” (Patti Smith)
4. “Saturn Return” (R.E.M.)
5. “Hood” (Perfume Genius)
6. “New Test Leper” (R.E.M.)
* Opening for Patti Smith
The Fat Angel Sings 