Kamala Harris-Tim Walz fans found a surprise in their inboxes on Thursday when the campaign announced that legendary REM frontman Michael Stipe would be taking the stage with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and artist Jason Isbell Friday at Pittsburgh’s Schenley Plaza for a free concert.
The event was opened by Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey who warned that Anger is only one letter away – D – from the Danger Trump represents should he be allowed to take back the White House.
Gainey made it clear that he wants everyone to get registered and as Michelle Obama said at the DNC, DO something.
Gainey was followed by Malcolm Kenyatta who gave a powerful speech that got the crowd going.
Kenyatta told the crowd to think about someone they love, someone they would leave right now and run to assist if they were in trouble. What kind of future do you want for them? Voting can determine that future. He reminded everyone that when we fight we win.
Candidate for State Treasurer, Erin McClelland spoke about the importance of getting everyone win the democratic ballot elected.
Doug Emhoff took the stage and made it very clear that his wife is the one of the job and reminded attendees how important it is that they get out and do the work as we are less than 30 days until the election.
He then went into his REM bonafides by listing the numerous times he’s seen them and his brother’s love for the band as well.
Emhoff talked about how he and Stipe have become friends/pen pals over the last few years and what an honor and surprise it was to be introducing him tonight.
He also spoke about Isbell and how difficult it is to categorize his music and what an important artist he is.
With that he brought Stipe and Isbell to the stage which was met with a roar of approval from the crowd, many in faded REM tees.
“It’s been awhile since I’ve sung these songs, 16 years in fact, but I’m really happy to be here with Jason and with the soon-to-be-ever First Gentleman of the United States of America,” Stipe said before he and Isbell started the R.E.M. classic “The One I Love.”
They played Isbell’s “Traveling Alone” and “Hope The High Road,” then closed the set with R.E.M.’s “Driver 8,” which Stipe hasn’t sung live since 2008.
In between songs, Stipe mentioned that he’d been to 8 countries over the summer and in each one he met fans that pleaded with him “Do not let that man get back into power.” He told the crowd that’s up to you by getting registered and making sure your friends and family are registered as well.
The crowd left slightly buzzing and a little amazed to see such an unexpected performance on such a beautiful night.
