Staying true to his word on CBS This Morning, last night Michael Stipe performed solo live for the first time since R.E.M.’s breakup in 2011. Playing an unnannounced six-song set, Stipe opened for Patti Smith’s Webster Hall gig in New York City, where he played R.E.M.’s “Saturn Return” and “New Test Leper.” He also did a cover of Vic Chestnutt’s “Lucinda Williams,” Smith’s “Wing,” “New York, New York” (naturally), and Perfume Genius’ “Hood.”
Check out a few songs from the performance below, and please excuse us while we sob in the fetal position over not being physically present for this Stipe-Smith show.