R.E.M. - Live at the Olympia (2009)
Tracklist, Album Image Covers, Info and Fun Facts
R.E.M. – Live at the Olympia (2009): A Celtic Stage Celebration
Released on July 27, 2009, R.E.M. Live at the Olympia captures a unique series of performances at the historic Olympia Theatre in Dublin, Ireland. This live album showcases R.E.M.’s intimacy as a trio and their ability to connect with audiences in a smaller, theater setting rather than arenas or stadiums.
The album blends hits, deep cuts, and a few surprises, highlighting the band’s musical versatility, emotional depth, and on-stage chemistry late in their career.
Album Overview
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Artist: R.E.M.
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Album: Live at the Olympia
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Release Date: July 27, 2009
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Label: Warner Bros. Records
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Genre: Alternative Rock, Live Rock
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Length: 109:12 (2 CDs)
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Producer: R.E.M. & Michael Amott
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Recorded: March 30 – April 5, 2007, at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin, Ireland
Background and Recording
Live at the Olympia was recorded over multiple nights during the band’s European tour supporting Accelerate. Unlike arena shows, the Olympia Theatre allowed for intimate performances, giving the band a chance to interact closely with the audience.
Highlights of the recording process:
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The setlist mixes classic hits, deep cuts, and tracks from Accelerate.
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Performances were recorded with high-fidelity audio rigs, capturing the acoustic nuances of the theater.
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The small venue setting allowed R.E.M. to experiment with dynamics and subtler arrangements.
The album is notable for showcasing R.E.M.’s stage mastery as a trio after Bill Berry’s departure.
Album Credits
R.E.M. Members
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Michael Stipe – Lead Vocals
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Peter Buck – Guitar, Mandolin, Backing Vocals
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Mike Mills – Bass, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Additional Personnel
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Drums & Percussion: Bill Rieflin
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Produced by R.E.M. & Michael Amott
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Mixed by Scott Litt
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Mastered by Bob Ludwig
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Art Direction & Design: Chris Bilheimer
Cover Art Design
The album cover features a photograph of the Olympia Theatre stage, bathed in warm, atmospheric lighting. The focus on the intimate setting reinforces the unique, personal nature of the performances, contrasting with the band’s stadium or arena recordings.
The design emphasizes warmth, closeness, and the theatrical charm of Dublin’s iconic venue.
Commercial Performance & Sales
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Peaked at #69 on the Billboard 200
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Reached #2 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart
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Sold approximately 250,000 copies worldwide
As a live release late in R.E.M.’s career, it was aimed primarily at fans and collectors, rather than mainstream chart dominance.
Popular Tracks
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Losing My Religion – Mandolin-driven classic, delivered with emotional nuance.
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Man on the Moon – Audience singalong, capturing Dublin’s enthusiasm.
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Supernatural Superserious – Brings energy from Accelerate to the theater setting.
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Imitation of Life – Showcases R.E.M.’s melodic strengths in a live context.
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Walk Unafraid – Atmospheric and reflective, highlighting the trio’s dynamics.
Critical Reception & Ratings
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Generally positive reviews; praised for capturing the band’s live versatility.
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Critics highlighted the intimate venue as enhancing the listening experience.
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Ratings typically range 7–8/10.
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Seen as a strong representation of R.E.M.’s live prowess late in their career.
Fun Facts About Live at the Olympia
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🎤 Recorded over six nights in Dublin, giving the band flexibility in choosing the best performances.
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🎸 Peter Buck’s guitar work is often subtler than arena shows, emphasizing nuance.
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🌍 The album features international fan favorites, reflecting R.E.M.’s global appeal.
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🎵 Includes material from R.E.M.’s entire career, blending hits, deep cuts, and newer songs from Accelerate.
Trivia
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The Olympia Theatre is a historic Dublin venue dating back to 1879, giving the album a special cultural significance.
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Drummer Bill Rieflin, filling in for Berry, contributed both precision and subtle texture to the live performance.
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Some arrangements were altered from studio versions to suit the intimate theater acoustics.
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The album is considered one of the band’s most intimate live recordings, capturing genuine audience interaction.
Did You Know?
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🌟 R.E.M. intentionally chose the Olympia for its historic charm and smaller size, contrasting their larger tours.
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📀 The recordings highlight the trio format in full effect, proving the band’s adaptability.
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🔊 The album includes subtle improvisations and audience interactions, making it a unique live experience.
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🎶 It’s one of the few official R.E.M. live albums recorded exclusively in a theater environment rather than arenas.
