Michael Stipe, the iconic frontman of the band R.E.M., made a surprise appearance at a recent event in Atlanta, Georgia, where he performed the band’s classic hit “Driver 8” and took a jab at former President Donald Trump.
Stipe joined Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff at a rally for Georgia Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, who were running for Senate seats in the state’s runoff election. The event was held at the Infinite Energy Center in Duluth, Georgia, and was attended by a socially distanced crowd of supporters.
During his performance, Stipe changed the lyrics of “Driver 8” to reference the recent election results, singing, “The walls are built up, stone by stone, the fields divided one by one. And the train conductor says, ‘Take a break Driver 8, Driver 8, take a break. We’ve been on this shift too long.'”
The original lyrics of the song, released in 1985, are about a train conductor and the changing landscape of the American South. Stipe’s clever adaptation was met with cheers and applause from the audience.
But Stipe didn’t stop there. He also took a moment to troll Trump, who has been spreading baseless claims of election fraud and refusing to concede the election to President Joe Biden.
“I’m here to tell you that the election is over, and it’s time to move on,” Stipe said, to which the crowd erupted in cheers.
He then went on to tell a heartwarming love story about Vice President Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, who have been married for six years. Stipe shared that he had the pleasure of meeting the couple and witnessing their love firsthand.
“I can tell you that they are the real deal. They are a true love story, and it gives me hope for the future,” Stipe said.
The event was a success, with Ossoff and Warnock both winning their respective Senate races, giving Democrats control of the Senate. Stipe’s performance and message of unity and love were a fitting end to a contentious election season.
Stipe has been an outspoken critic of Trump and his administration, using his platform to advocate for social and political issues. His appearance at the Harris-Walz event was a reminder of the power of music and the importance of using one’s voice to bring about change.
As the country moves forward under a new administration, Stipe’s words and performance serve as a reminder to come together and work towards a better future for all.
