The logo for the Daily Beast's Obsessed website. It reads: 'Obsessed: What to Watch, Binge, See, & Skip'
DAILY BEAST
CrosswordNewsletters
  • Cheat Sheet
  • Obsessed
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Entertainment
  • Media
  • Innovation
  • Opinion
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Scouted
CHEAT SHEET
    POLITICS
    • Biden World
    • Elections
    • Opinion
    • National Security
    • Congress
    • Pay Dirt
    • The New Abnormal
    • Trumpland
    MEDIA
    • Confider
    • Daytime Talk
    • Late-Night
    • Fox News
    U.S. NEWS
    • Identities
    • Crime
    • Race
    • LGBT
    • Extremism
    • Coronavirus
    WORLD
    • Russia
    • Europe
    • China
    • Middle East
    INNOVATION
    • Science
    TRAVEL
      ENTERTAINMENT
      • TV
      • Movies
      • Music
      • Comedy
      • Sports
      • Sex
      • TDB's Obsessed
      • Awards Shows
      • The Last Laugh
      CULTURE
      • Power Trip
      • Fashion
      • Books
      • Royalist
      TECH
      • Disinformation
      SCOUTED
      • Clothing
      • Technology
      • Beauty
      • Home
      • Pets
      • Kitchen
      • Fitness
      • I'm Looking For
      BEST PICKS
      • Best VPNs
      • Best Gaming PCs
      • Best Air Fryers
      COUPONS
      • Vistaprint Coupons
      • Ulta Coupons
      • Office Depot Coupons
      • Adidas Promo Codes
      • Walmart Promo Codes
      • H&M Coupons
      • Spanx Promo Codes
      • StubHub Promo Codes
      Products
      NewslettersPodcastsCrosswordsSubscription
      FOLLOW US
      GOT A TIP?

      SEARCH

      HOMEPAGE
      Awards Shows

      Michael Stipe’s Beautiful Bowie Tribute: R.E.M. Singer Performs ‘The Man Who Sold the World’

      EVERYBODY HURTS

      The heavily bearded ex-R.E.M. frontman delivered a gorgeous version of the Bowie classic on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show.

      Matt Wilstein

      Senior Editor

      Updated Apr. 13, 2017 4:32PM ET / Published Mar. 30, 2016 2:03AM ET 

      More than two decades ago, Nirvana surprised the MTV Unplugged audience with a stripped-down version of David Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold the World.” On Tuesday’s Tonight Show, it was Michael Stipe’s turn.

      Practically unrecognizable in a heavy white beard and black suit, the former R.E.M. frontman sang a similarly slowed-down version of the song with nothing but simple piano accompaniment.

      The performance was a preview of what concert-goers can expect at Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall this week when Stipe joins Patti Smith, Cyndi Lauper, The Flaming Lips, and others for two sold-out tribute shows for the legendary Bowie, who passed away earlier this year.

      Following the news of Bowie’s death, Stipe posted the poem below to R.E.M.’s Facebook page:

      Right now, it feels as if the solar system is off its axis, as if one of our main planetary anchors has lost its orbit. That said—I am certain that wherever Bowie is now—I want to be there someday.

      Since R.E.M. officially broke up in 2011, Stipe has made few live appearances, playing “Losing My Religion” with Coldplay’s Chris Martin at the 12-12-12 concert for Hurricane Sandy relief and serving as a surprise opening act for Patti Smith in 2014. The last time he appeared on TV was as part of Stephen Colbert’s star-studded Colbert Report sing-along finale in December 2014.

      The proceeds from this week’s concerts, put together by Knitting Factory founder Michael Dorf, will benefit a number of charities that bring music education to underserved students.

      Matt Wilstein

      Senior Editor

      @mattwilsteinmatt.wilstein@thedailybeast.com

      Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here.

      READ THIS LIST

      DAILY BEAST
      • Cheat Sheet
      • Politics
      • Entertainment
      • Media
      • World
      • Innovation
      • U.S. News
      • Scouted
      • Travel
      • Subscription
      • Crossword
      • Newsletters
      • Podcasts
      • About
      • Contact
      • Tips
      • Jobs
      • Advertise
      • Help
      • Privacy
      • Code of Ethics & Standards
      • Diversity
      • Terms & Conditions
      • Copyright & Trademark
      • Sitemap
      • Best Picks
      • Coupons
      • Coupons:
      • Dick's Sporting Goods Coupons
      • HP Coupon Codes
      • Chewy Promo Codes
      • Nordstrom Rack Coupons
      • NordVPN Coupons
      • JCPenny Coupons
      • Nordstrom Coupons
      • Samsung Promo Coupons
      • Home Depot Coupons
      • Hotwire Promo Codes
      • eBay Coupons
      • Ashley Furniture Promo Codes
      © 2023 The Daily Beast Company LLC