REM touring again? In 2026

Released in 1986, Life's Rich Pageant, is a pivotal REM album, and it is in many ways the breakthrough work for the legendary Athens band who had ruled college radio for many years, starting with the release of Murmur in 1983 (or for the true believers Chronic Town, the EP released in 1982). 

LRP was somewhat of a new direction for the band, as Mike Mills noted a desire to move out of its murkier sound, and with singles like "Fall on Me" and "I Believe," mainstream listeners got a first taste of Michael Stipe lyrics they could actually understand. 

Now, with the 40th anniversary of the LP that many considered one of the most important releases of the 1980s, especially in the alternative rock world that was emerging, there is a tribute tour lining up to celebrate LRP with a concert performance of the album in its entirety. So, are the boys from Athens reuniting for a reunion tour?

Of course not.

One key reason REM is the iconic band it is, is because it ended its run as gracefully as any band has ever done and has remained true to its commitment to never tour again. For, as Peter Buck explained on 60 Minutes, "It would just never be as good."

However, fans can experience a great show celebrating the album with the tour from Michael Shannon & Jason Narducy, who have true musical chops, a great reputation as performers, and experience putting on shows of an REM album that are so inviting sometimes the band itself shows up and joins the party.