Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy & friends are performing R.E.M.’s 1983 album “Murmur” in select cities across the country. First Ave is one of those selected venues and they will be in town on February 4th. Shannon and Narducy have been covering albums on the stages in Chicago for the past 10 years and since “Murmurs” 40th birthday is coming up they decided to play this album at the Metro in Chicago last summer. It was such a hit they decided to take it on the road.
Michael Shannon needs no introduction but if you didn’t know, Michael is an film and stage actor known for his intense and versatile performances. With Academy Award nominations for films like “Revolutionary Road” and “Nocturnal Animals,” Shannon has become a critically acclaimed presence in both indie and mainstream cinema and he just happens to be my favorite actor. Ask anyone I know, if you’re invited to our place, there is a guarantee that I will force us to watch one of his movies.
With the topic of this tour, Shannon says ““I have been a fan of R.E.M. since my cousin played me the ʻDocumentʼ cassette out at my Aunt Normaʼs trailer,” says Shannon. “I spent days and hours stumbling around my hometown of Lexington, KY listening to ʻMurmurʼ on my Walkman, long before the notion of being anything other than completely anonymous was a viable option. Jason and I have done several other albums and shows together but this one means the most to me.”
Jason Narducy has been a lifer in the music scene. He’s been touring with Bob Mould since ’05 and has been on Moulds last 5 albums. He has also played with Superchunk and Sunny Day Real Estate.
Narducy says on the topic of this tour ““I’m looking forward to going on the road with Michael and the band,” adds Narducy. “Michael and I have been doing shows for a long time but this is our first proper tour. The energy in the room at our Murmur show at Metro last July was really special. It’s fun celebrating a record that is so beloved.”
Check the Tour Dates for other stops:
Sun. Feb. 4 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
Thu. Feb. 8 – Athens, GA @ 40 Watt Club
Fri. Feb. 9 – Carrboro, NC @ Catʼs Cradle
Sat. Feb. 10 – Washington, DC @ Black Cat
Mon. Feb. 12 – Ardmore, PA @ Ardmore Music Hall
Tue. Feb. 13 – Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair
Wed. Feb. 14 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
