R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe Sings David Bowie Cover In Rare Late Night Performance

Michael Stipe, the lead singer of the now-finished R.E.M., has made himself scarce in recent years. Performing in only a handful of situations, Stipe will return to the stage to perform as part of The Music Of David Bowie tribute at Carnegie Hall, scheduled for tomorrow and Friday (March 31-April 1). In preparation, Stipe hit the set of The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, where he warmed up with a Bowie cover for late night TV fans everywhere.

Stipe performed “The Man Who Sold The World,” accompanied only by pianist Paul Cantelon. It’s a powerful performance, and has us excited for the upcoming Bowie tribute. Watch below:

For those who got shut out of tickets from the Bowie tribute, a live stream was recently announced for the April 1st performance. More information can be found here.