Michael Shannon’s ‘Glorified Karaoke’: The Actor’s Surprising Love for R.E.M.
Ah, the age-old question: can actors rock? Enter Michael Shannon, the Oscar-nominated thespian who’s taken a swing at the music scene with his R.E.M. cover band, amusingly dubbing it “glorified karaoke.” While many actors have tried their hand at moonlighting as rock stars—think Jared Leto and his band Thirty Seconds to Mars or Scarlett Johansson’s musical ventures—Shannon is here to remind us that not all actors should pick up a mic. In a candid chat with The Bitter Southerner, he confessed, “I’m not a fan of actors having rock and roll bands,” arguing it feels a tad greedy. How charmingly self-aware!
Despite his reservations, Shannon has been passionately performing R.E.M.’s music alongside Jason Narducy, celebrating the band’s legacy by touring albums in full, like the recent 40th anniversary of *Murmur*. With a cheeky nod to the karaoke scene, he finds beauty in the absurdity of belting out tunes that he loves, insisting that it’s less about pretending to be the rock star and more about genuine passion. It’s a refreshing take, especially in an industry rife with overexposure.
As Shannon embarks on this journey, he’s not just covering songs; he’s crafting an experience, one that transcends mere imitation. The duo’s upcoming tour celebrating *Life Rich Pageant* next year suggests that this isn’t a one-off gimmick but rather a tribute to a band that, despite their 2011 breakup, continues to resonate with fans. Michael Stipe himself has remarked that R.E.M. will never reunite, but Shannon’s homage is a delightful reminder of the band’s enduring impact.
So, what’s the takeaway here? While some actors might indulge in rock fantasies that leave us cringing, Shannon’s approach is refreshingly earnest. If there’s one thing to glean from this delightful escapade, it’s that passion can turn “glorified karaoke” into a heartfelt celebration. Class dismissed; let’s just hope the next actor remembers to bring their own originality to the stage!
Sources: Celebrity Storm
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