The Help The Hoople benefit for Scott McCaughey took place over the last two nights in Portland. McCaughey suffered a stroke last fall and this weekend his musical friends came together to celebrate his recovery and raise money for medical bills, etc. McCaughey himself appeared and rocked out along with a talented bunch of musicians including members of Sleater-Kinney, The Shins, The Decemberists and...R.E.M.!
Peter Buck and Mike Mills had been scheduled to perform, so the crowd was expecting to see these R.E.M. legends. On Friday Buck and Mills performed - however during Saturday's benefit Bill Berry showed up unannounced and joined his old bandmates on stage for an even bigger R.E.M. reunion! Fans who were at the show (including my friend Dexter who attended both nights) were FREAKING OUT wondering if Michael Stipe was backstage getting ready to join the fray, but not to be.
Still, what an amazing treat to see all these incredible musicians come together for a great cause.
Check out some video shot at this weekend's shows:
Published January 7th, 2017
Peter Buck and Mike Mills had been scheduled to perform, so the crowd was expecting to see these R.E.M. legends. On Friday Buck and Mills performed - however during Saturday's benefit Bill Berry showed up unannounced and joined his old bandmates on stage for an even bigger R.E.M. reunion! Fans who were at the show (including my friend Dexter who attended both nights) were FREAKING OUT wondering if Michael Stipe was backstage getting ready to join the fray, but not to be.
Still, what an amazing treat to see all these incredible musicians come together for a great cause.
Check out some video shot at this weekend's shows:
Published January 7th, 2017
