Michael Stipe implores Glastonbury to take him up to a different galaxy tonight. What's wrong with this one? Surveying the small city of lights sprawled out across the main stage amphitheatre, it seems like the perfect place to be.
As one of the world's bone fide superbands, REM have little to prove except maybe reminding us that recapturing past glories in the near future isn't out of the question. And, so much emotional energy has been invested in their music that Stipe's preamble before 'Losing My Religion' - "this is your song, we just cover it" - rings decidedly true.
Yet it'd be difficult to equate REM now with the band in their mid-90s heyday however hard they refrain from gritting their teeth to churn out the hits. They committedly throw themselves into the 'challenge' of enjoying playing their well-worn classics - 'Man On The Moon', 'Drive', 'What's The Frequency?' - with banter between Stipe, Mills and Buck suggesting inter-band harmony is as in tune as ever.
Needless to say Glastonbury is in true awe for the first time this year. Oddly enough Stipe appears to be in the same state, appearing embarrassed by the euphoria he generates with a quick shuffle and a flick of the wrists. Oh, and some of the finest songs of his generation. Resembling the look of a shell-shocked Oscar-winning actor and finding solace in hiding behind his hands at every opportunity, Stipe seems to have forgotten what it feels like. The look on his face suggests he won't forget it in a hurry.
'Everybody Hurts' and 'It's The End Of The World (As We Know It)', wrap up a best of set that we might never get a chance to witness again.
Follow that Mr Yorke.
