Living in Peru : your everyday companion

By Jobana Soto

American music transformed through some odd phases – some good, some bad. Many bands peaked but most fell through the cracks of the competitive music industry. In the 80's we witnessed the birth of hip-hop, then the somewhat embarrassing days of glam rock. The 90's brought on the alternative rock movement which quickly crashed through a downward spiral of pop-infused everything – pop rock, pop punk, pop ska...you get the idea. With each phase, only a handful of bands were able to make it through the trenches. Like Russian roulette, every band hoped to be the last man standing. In two weeks from now, you'll get to see one of those rare bands live at the Lima Hot Festival – R.E.M.

In Athens, Georgia, a small city in the southern U.S., lead singer Michael Stipe met guitarist Peter Buck at a local record store bonding over their similar tastes in music. They later teamed up with high school buddies Mike Mills (bass guitar) and Bill Berry (drums) at the University of Georgia, which they attended.

Back in the "old days," before American Idol and other boneheaded star search shows and when you actually needed talent – and musicians – to break into the music industry, bands had to perform locally to grow their fan base. Sounds weird since many Americans who dream of fame and fortune believe a successful music career is getting on the right reality show wondering who can "out do" the other in ridiculous antics. Not R.E.M. They were a different breed, one not obsessed with the allure of fame but playing some good tunes.

"There was never any grand plan" to form a successful band, as Stipe would say, but success did come and it took R.E.M. from their breakthrough appearance on Late Night with David Letterman to crossing the barrier from indie label to major label. Their two highest-selling albums, "Out of Time" and "Automatic for the People," established their legacy as alternative rock pioneers in the early 90's. Of course it wouldn't hurt to mention their three Grammy Awards and recent induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year.

Seeing the band now, in interviews and in concerts, there is an aura of wisdom surrounding them. Not in a pretentious way but Zen-like, in which they know their power of success but find no use in creating a god-like image of themselves. Success took them around the world in countless cities and towns where fans enjoyed their music. That success has finally brought R.E.M. to Lima where Peruvians get to see the band play in their country for the first time at the Estadio Nacional.

The Lima Hot Festival will host a few opening bands, including Travis, before R.E.M. takes the stage. Travis is an alternative rock band from Glasgow, Scotland, also making their first appearance in Lima where they will be promoting their latest album, "Ode To J. Smith."

Expectations are high for R.E.M. to play their chart topping hits like "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?", "The One I Love", "Everybody Hurts", "Man on the Moon" and more but what's important to note is this: while Lima may not be receiving R.E.M. in their "prime" there is still the best of both worlds to experience. A chance to see them perform their greatest hits while witnessing their maturity coincide with their young hearts.

Tickets to Lima Hot Festival are selling quickly with sections already sold out. To grab yourself a seat or two head on over to TuEntrada to purchase them now. You can also check out our Events Calendar for more information.