R.E.M. Reissue: ‘Reveal’ features unreleased live session

Twenty-five years after the release of their seminal album, R.E.M. is dusting off some seriously golden material, announcing a major reissue of their work that digs deep into the band’s history. The focus is on ‘Reveal’, an expanded edition that brings a previously unheard, electrifying live performance into the spotlight.

The expanded edition of the band’s 12th studio album will arrive on November 20 via Craft Recordings. This special package pairs the original 12-track record with ‘The Black Sessions Revealed’—a rare, 17-song live session captured from a performance recorded for Radio France in Paris on May 7, 2001.

This unreleased performance is a treasure trove of musical history. It features the core lineup of Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, and Mike Mills, joined by guitarist Scott McCaughey, keyboardist Ken Stringfellow, and drummer Joey Waronker. The session is a dynamic blend, weaving together newer tracks like ‘Imitation Of Life’ and ‘All The Way To Reno (You’re Gonna Be A Star)’ with beloved classics such as ‘Losing My Religion’ and ‘Man On The Moon’. It’s a perfect snapshot of the band in a pivotal moment.

Unlike many studio albums, the original ‘Reveal’ was followed by a relatively limited series of promotional shows rather than a conventional tour. This live session, recorded just days before ‘Reveal’ was released, captures a raw, relaxed mood, reflecting the band’s time following the departure of founding drummer Bill Berry in 1997.

Mike Mills, one of the band’s key figures, recalled the atmosphere during the recording. “We were having a good time,” he shared in new liner notes, reflecting on the experience. Peter Buck added that the session offers a chance to showcase material that wasn’t often played live, providing something a little different.

The archival package promises rich visual and textual context. The ‘Reveal (25th Anniversary Edition)’ will be housed in a deluxe package featuring a 32-page hardcover book filled with archival photographs and fresh reflections from the band members and journalist Birgit Fuss.

For visual fans, the deluxe package includes a high-resolution Blu-ray, which features the album in high-resolution audio and 5.1 surround sound. It also includes the original music videos for key tracks, including ‘Imitation Of Life’, ‘All The Way To Reno (You’re Gonna Be A Star)’, and ‘I’ll Take The Rain’.

Furthermore, ‘The Black Sessions Revealed’ will be released separately on vinyl for the first time as a double-LP, offering fans a tangible piece of the band’s live energy. Exclusive coloured editions and anniversary merchandise will also be available.

The session itself, known as ‘The Black Sessions Revealed’, includes tracks such as ‘Imitation Of Life’, ‘The Great Beyond’, ‘All The Way To Reno (You’re Gonna Be A Star)’, ‘Daysleeper’, ‘I’ve Been High’, ‘Electrolite’, ‘The Lifting’, ‘At My Most Beautiful’, ‘I’ll Take The Rain’, ‘The One I Love’, ‘She Just Wants To Be’, ‘Walk Unafraid’, ‘Losing My Religion’, ‘Man On The Moon’, ‘So. Central Rain (I’m Sorry)’, and ‘It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)’.

‘Reveal’ was produced by the band alongside Pat McCarthy, who had previously co-produced their predecessor, ‘Up’. The recording process took place across locations including Athens, Georgia, Vancouver, Dublin, and Miami, marking a period when R.E.M. was settling into their dynamic three-piece configuration.

Despite the breakup, the bond remains strong, with the four original members engaging in rare public appearances over the years. In 2025, the group reunited on stage in Athens, Georgia, to play ‘Pretty Persuasion’, though the band has consistently maintained that a full-scale return would not recapture the magic of their past. Regardless, this anniversary reissue solidifies ‘Reveal’ as an essential piece of R.E.M.’s enduring, unforgettable story.

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By Mason Carter