Michael Stipe Performs R.E.M. Classics For 1st Time Since 2008 With Jason Isbell At Harris-Walz Pittsburgh Event
Watch the pair perform “The One I Love,” “Driver 8” and more at Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park.
By Scott Bernstein Oct 7, 2024 • 10:36 am PDT

Michael Stipe returned to the stage for his first billed performance since 2019 on Friday at Schenley Plaza in Pittsburgh. Stipe teamed up with Jason Isbell for a brief four-song set as part of a campaign rally for Vice President Kamala Harris.
“It’s been awhile since I’ve sung these songs, 16 years in fact, but I’m really happy to be here with Jason and with the soon-to-be-ever First Gentleman of the United States of America,” Stipe told the crowd following an introduction by Doug Emhoff. Michael Stipe sang lead on R.E.M. classics “The One I Love” and “Driver 8” to bookend the set. The pair also performed Isbell’s “Traveling Alone” and “Hope The High Road.”
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Michael Stipe last performed “The One I Love” and “Driver 8” publicly in 2008 during R.E.M.’s final tour before disbanding in 2011. Jason Isbell played acoustic guitar throughout and the duo alternated backing vocal duties while the other sang lead.
Watch Michael Stipe and Jason Isbell’s Friday night set via audience-shot video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4a9LZBIGNw&ab_channel=saintsandpoetsJason Isbell and Michael Stipe previously crossed paths on June 13, 2024, when Isbell inducted R.E.M. into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. R.E.M. reunited onstage to perform “Losing My Religion” at the ceremony, marking the original members’ first performance together in 17 years.
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Setlist
Set: The One I Love, Traveling Alone, Hope The High Road, Driver 8