Michael Stipe and Members Perform in France
The world of music is constantly weaving unexpected threads, connecting artists across decades and genres. Recently, a particularly rich tapestry was created in Biarritz, France, where some of the most influential figures in rock and indie music converged for a celebratory and inspiring gathering.
The event, held on October 17, 2026, brought together members of The National alongside an impressive constellation of musical royalty, including R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe, Jon Hopkins, Ben Howard, Anaïs Mitchell, the Arcade Fire’s Richard Reed Parry, and Ragnar Kjartansson. The celebration marked a belated 50th birthday tribute to brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner, affectionately known as AB100.
The atmosphere was electric, but the evening was punctuated by deep musical history and warm personal anecdotes. A highlight of the gathering was Michael Stipe’s performance, which dove straight into the legendary history of rock. He shared memories of performing alongside Matt Berninger, taking a cover of R.E.M.’s “E-Bow the Letter,” reminding everyone of the deep connections that exist between musicians.
Stipe reflected on the song’s journey, noting that the melody originated on the Lower East Side of New York City in 1975, only to fully coalesce into the song in San Sebastian twenty years later. This journey mirrored the evolving landscape of modern music, demonstrating how timeless melodies continue to resonate across time.
The connection between the artists was further underscored by shared musical experiences. Dessner recalled their own history with R.E.M., mentioning that they used to playfully request songs from the band, which occasionally led to R.E.M. obliging them. This shared history lent a playful, nostalgic layer to the celebration.
While celebrating personal milestones, the event also touched upon the wider world of musical evolution. The National themselves had recently navigated a significant pause, successfully breaking a two-year stage hiatus in Berlin on October 11th during the PEOPLE festival. This period included collaborative performances alongside artists such as Howard, Gordi, SOAK, Bartees Strange, Angie McMahon, and David Bowie’s bassist Gail Ann Dorsey, tackling iconic tracks like “Fake Empire” and “Terrible Love.”
Meanwhile, Michael Stipe continues to pursue his own artistic vision. Amidst these high-profile appearances, he remains focused on his solo debut, which is slated for release next May, promising further explorations of his unique musical voice.
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