R.E.M.'s hometown of Athens, Ga., still welcomes fans 45 years after the band started there

R.E.M. played its first concert there in 1980 and still draws fans to its hometown. A visit to Athens can be like a pilgrimage of the band's music.

Apr 3, 2025 - 22:07
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R.E.M.'s hometown of Athens, Ga., still welcomes fans 45 years after the band started there
Paul Butchart gives tours of musical landmarks all over Athens, Ga. In his hands is R.E.M.Murmur album, with the original trestle bridge photograph on the back cover. The bridge behind Butchart is a reconstruction, and now part of a walking and biking trail.'/>

R.E.M. played its first concert there in 1980 and still draws fans to its hometown. A visit to Athens can be like a pilgrimage of the band's music.

(Image credit: Melanie Peeples)