REM

REM

When unsigned REM came to NY, they wanted to meet me and give me a demo tape, thinking that I could get them a record deal.

I did get them a gig at the infamous Mudd Club, but when only 12 people show up that Monday night for their unannounced gig, Steve Mass, the owner, wouldn’t pay them.

This shot is from their first studio photo shooting.

REM

I shot the cover for SPIN magazine in the rehearsal studio in Athens, GA. This is an outtake.

REM

These shots are probably the first studio shots the band ever made.

REM

This is another shot from their first professional photo shoot. Peter, Mike and Bill slept in my studio. I tried to do an interview with Stipe, but he mumbled so much, the recording was unusable.

REM

When I first started working with SPIN magazine, the publisher asked me who should be the first cover. I immediately said “REM”.

Madonna won out...

Years later, I shot this for SPIN.

REM

An early concert at Irving Plaza in NY. They were great from the beginning.

REM

This was shot on the roof of REM’s bank in Athens, GA.

REM

This was shot on the roof of REM’s bank in Athens, GA.

REM

Shot on their first visit to NY. I knew they were going to be big. I thought they sounded like a cross between the Byrds and the Yardbirds.