I'm going to Athens (GA) tomorrow

[tinfoil tiaras]

and I'm uber exited! Cause theres a large chance that I'll see one of the R.E.M. bandmembers in Athens. And I've been planning this for like EVER, so I'm exited that it's working out.

Just wanted to share my exitement will all you cool DUers...:) :hi:

[izzybeans]

1. You'll also see about 200 people emulating one of the members

of REM somewhere near the vacinity of the three or four vegetarian restaurants downtown. Well maybe that was true several years ago. It has been awhile.

There is still some cool music coming from athens.

[tinfoil tiaras]

3. Haha a bunch of bald guys trying to be Michael Stipe!

I can tell the difference b/w a faux Stipe and the real deal, baby!

I wanna see Mills more though...I met him at a concert that I got backstage passes to in 04 and he was SO NICE. :) :loveya:

[izzybeans]

5. That sounds like fun.

I think I misled you. That is 200 people for each member of the band.

[tinfoil tiaras]

8. Whoa...

Yeah, when I was in athens before for a trip, I think I saw a guy pretending to be Stipe...:crazy:

Why would someone pretend to be Peter, knowing that Peter lives in Seattle and isn't in Athens alot? :wtf:

or Bill for that matter...

[izzybeans]

21. I was just being silly. That was the inside joke some friends and I

left with.

It's like Indie Kids in Chicago emulating the twang of Jeff Tweedy. Some do most don't but it's hilarious when you find them.

[tigereye]

2. it's supposed to be a fun town

an old buddy moved there, and she seems to like it...

have fun.

[tinfoil tiaras]

4. Thanks!

I've been there one other time, but it was on a trip and we didn't get to really go to any of the music cites...:(

[CottonBear]

6. Hi there! I live in Athens, GA! What are your plans? Any questions?

Mr. CB knows all of the REM guys. Their bands played at all of the same places back in the early 1980s. Tyrones is long since burned down, unfortunately. You can see the scorched sign inside the GA Theater. Mr. CB's band even opened for REM! I used to work with Michael's sister, Lynda back in the day. She has an awesome voice! Have you heard her band Oh OK?

You might see Mike Mills at and about. I saw him at the Athens Rewind Reunion last summer. He lives here most of the time.

Pete Buck doesn't really live here anymore. I think he moved across the country. His ex-wife, Barrie, isn't the nicest person you'll ever meet. "nuff said. She owns the Fabulous 40 Watt Club.

You should visit the Globe. It is the best boho bar in Athens! They serve food too now! You don't have to be 21 to go there. I've run into the REM guys there on quite a few occasions. I last spoke to Michael Stipe there. I brought some REM fans visiting from England (on honeymoon!) there and they were lucky enough to meet the guys! It made their trip!

You probably won't see Bill Berry because he lives way out in the country in Oconee County. He is a nice person. He is very modest and a really nice guy. You might see him at the local gas station near his house though. My friend sees him buying beer and Yoohoos on Saturday mornings! LOL! He was nice enough to give her a tour of his house when she went there to buy some hay from his farm.


I saw REM and the English Beat live at Legion Filed at UGA back in 1982. Best concert ever! It was an awesome show! There was a huge crowd and it was free!

They played for free on the courthouse steps a few years back. It was a benefit to promote greenspace here in Athens-Clarke County. You never know if you'll see them playing somewhere. It will not be announced.

edit: If you have any questions, I'll be back online a little after 9 PM.

[tinfoil tiaras]

7. Wow...thats awesome!

I'll be sure to tell my mom about the Globe bar.

No, I haven't heard Lynda Stipe's band, but I assume she has a good voice because Michael's is so good.

I'm not expecting to see Bill anyways...he's been a bit of a recluse ever since he quit the band. Hey, I guess that's what some people want...

Is Mr. CB a DUer? Sorry, I only joined like a year ago...

I have 2 questions, one that I'll ask you here and one I'll PM you (I'll explain int the PM)

-I heard somewhere that the 40 Watt has a "kids (or anyone under 18) section". Is that true?

I'm uber exited and I'm uber jealous that you live there! :P :P

[CottonBear]

9. The Globe and the Manhatten (near Globe) are both bars not to be missed!

The area around the 40 Watt has lots of other cools bars and shops. X-Ray Cafe (shop) is a must see. An old time Athenian runs it (Paul who was in a cool band.) Get a copy of Flagpole magazine (a free tabloid weekly paper) when you get here. I'm not sure about the Watt's policy. Check the Flagpole online for links to all Athens bars, clubs and restaurants.

Lynda Stipe and Linda Hpper's band is called Oh OK! They are great. You may be able to find a CD downtown at Wuxtry (a don't miss stop) on the corner of Clayton and College Ave. Check out the visitors center on Thomas Street for info. on a self-guided walking tour of Athens music history.

You can go into the Globe with your mom. They have food too! I've spent many hours there!

Be sure to walk around the historic North Campus and Arches at UGA (right downtown across from College Avenue.) Junkman's Daughter's Brother is a great place to shop!

Make a trip to Weaver D's on East Broad Street near Chicopee and the river for some real soul food (Automatic for the People!)

Visit the Grit on Prince Avenue and the uber cool, swanky cocktail bar-club next to it!

Have fun!

Peace CB

[tinfoil tiaras]

10. Yay!

I'll be sure to check ALL of those out! :) :D

[CottonBear]

11. 40 Watt Club link (you have to be 18 to enter unless show is all ages.)

However, you may be able to go in with your mom and your official state ID or passport if it's before the show. I'm a little confused by the poicy. My stepdaughter (17 at the time) came with us to a private party there last summer.)

http://www.40watt.com/info.php

Q. What's an ID ?
A ID is what you need to have in hand when you come to the 40 Watt. It does not matter if you are 6, 16, 26, or 46 - we reserve the right to refuse admission if you do not bring a ID. Needless to say this ID must be your unaltered State Issued ID or Passport. Really - we don't kid around with this.

Q.What are you age requirements?
Unless a show is marked "ALL AGES" you must be 18 to enter the 40 Watt.
You must be 21 to drink.
Minors must be accompanied by their legal parent or guardian.

Q. What time do doors open?
For the most part we open at 10 p.m. If there is a nationally touring band we will likely open at 9. To find out for sure check the schedule page or call us at 706.549.7871.

Q. Do you serve drinks?
We have two full-service bars. Provided that you are 21 years of age you may purchase drinks until last call at 1:50 AM. Downtown closes at 2:45 and you must be out of here by then. The sound people will let you know when you're getting close, trust us.

Q. Can my cover band play here?
We'll talk. Probably not.

Q. I'm short on cash.
You need cash to pay for your admission but our bar takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

Q. Is the club available for private parties?
It is. We can help you plan all aspects of your event including entertainment purchasing, drink specials, and production. We have been host to many greek functions and have references available on request. We have even had some weddings here.

Q. Are you handicap accessible?
Yes. Our entire venue is at street level and we have wheelchair accessible restrooms. Please call in advance if you have any special needs.

Q. How do I play at the 40 Watt ?
Please see our booking section.

directions: http://www.40watt.com/directions.php

[CottonBear]

12. 40 Watt Schedule for this week and the Flagpole online link:

(Be sure to try and read the Flagpole Guide to Athens and their online walking tour guide of music history.)

http://www.40watt.com/schedule.php

http://flagpole.com/

music walking tour link: http://flagpole.com/guide/tour

Don't miss the music museum at Wuxtry: (you just might see mention of one of Mr. CB's many bands in here!)
197 E. Clayton St.

* Established in 1975, Wuxtry Records became known for its wide selection of mainstream and obscure vinyl, CDs, cassettes and publications.
* The store has employed a number of famous local musicians. Among others, R.E.M.’s Peter Buck, the Olivia Tremor Control’s John Fernandes and Brian Burton, AKA DJ Danger Mouse, have all sold records there.
* The Athens Music Museum, reopened after renovation in 2005, currently inhabits the corner store, while Wuxtry has expanded to the space next-door.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sadly, many of the historic places are now gone. :cry: I remember many and missed some by jsut a few weeks or months before their demise. :(

edit: Info on Tyrones: Mr. CB got his equipment out the night before it burned down! :( His band played here many times.
Northwest corner of Foundry Street and East Broad Street

* A patch of grass and a driveway between Foundry Street and the Classic Center Parking Deck marks the site of Tyrone’s O.C. (Old Chameleon).
* Opened in 1978, Tyrone’s was the de facto home of the underground scene, hosting performances by Time Toy, R.E.M., Is Ought Gap and Pylon.
* Tyrone’s burned down in January, 1982.

[tinfoil tiaras]

13. You. Are. My. Hero.

<3 :D

Damn, I wish my school had student IDs-cause then maybe I could use that. Otherwise, no 40 watt for me, cause I cant drive and don't have another id otherwise. DAMN. But the all-important question needs to be answered-do the REM guys hang there (:P) ?

Oh well. You provided me with alot more fun stuff to do. Whatever, 40 watt. I bet you're not all you're cracked up to be...:P

[CottonBear]

15. You can go into all of the cool shops right around the 40 Watt.

Check out the Flagpole music listings (ABC) for possible places that you could go in with your mom and hear a band perform. Talk to the door man and someplace might let you in (your mom must be with you.) Have fun and be sure to report on your trip and adventures in Athens, GA!

Also, you can walk right by the REM headquarters building which is located downtown. It's the oldest wood frame building in downtown Athens.

[tinfoil tiaras]

17. Of course I'll report about my trip

...why wouldn't I? :P

Thank you SO much for all of your help and ideas!! :D

[CottonBear]

18. You are very welcome! n/t

[CottonBear]

16. Some REM news: a reissue of early albums including videos!

Finally A Reissue Worth Paying For: On Sept. 12, R.E.M. will see the release of two incredible sets of music. The double CD And I Feel Fine... The Best Of The I.R.S. Years 1982–1987, will feature 21 songs spanning the band's earliest years and the second disc of the set features live tracks, alternate mixes and demos. A companion DVD release, When The Light Is Mine… The Best Of The I.R.S. Years 1982–1987 Video Collection, though, is the real treat. Featuring all 11 of the band's promotional videos from those five years, the DVD also features unbelievably rare performance footage from television shows "The Old Grey Whistle Test," "The Tube" and IRS’ "The Cutting Edge." The "Cutting Edge" footage, in particular, is a wonderful document of a time when MTV actually had something to offer viewers, as the label-sponsored show was produced specifically for MTV broadcast. These releases coincide with the band's induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, which also occurs during the same month.

http://flagpole.com/Music/Threats/2006-08-02

[jpak]

20. Gang of Four, The Stranglers, the dB's, Fleshtones, Joe King Carasco

and the Crowns, Lets Active and a bunch of other bands played at Tyrone's too...

[CottonBear]

22. Bang! and One Eye Open and Men in Trees played there too!

The former owner, Bubba, eneded up living way out in Madison County in a trialer home near the Broad River.

[jpak]

19. If Tyrone's had not burned

I'd still be working on my MS...

:)

[CottonBear]

23. LOL! I spent many evenings at the 40 Watt Club on Clayton Street

dancing to my favorite bands like Bang! and the Little Tigers among others. Only $2 to get in and all the cheap PBR you could drink!

One of my good friends was in BBQ Killers and the band was featured in the movie Athens, GA Inside Out. I had other friends in many, many bands. I recently saw Time Toy play at Athfest! Brian Cook and Danny Cottar still rock! Their album Flyswatter/Icewater (recorded back in the 1980s) has just been released!

I went to the Athens Rewind reuinion last summer. I saw Pylon, Time Toy and Oh OK! play at a private party at the 40 Watt Club! It was an awesome weekend. It was like going back in time! Everyone was there!

Are you still in Athens? we are having a DU meet up here on Aug. 19th. (See the GA forum for info.)

[KFC]

14. Check out the Varsity for awesome food that is bad for you

http://www.thevarsity.com/

Not the classic Atlanta location, but the food is the same.



Guaranteed, you will have a great time in Athens. I'm there about twice a year to visit my brother and his wife and I'm never dissapointed. Many freaks there - and I mean that in a very good way.