Stipe

Stipe has been around since 1996. Formed by Rick Southern, the original line-up gigged mainly in the North of England and Scotland. Over the next few years Rick also fronted Midlands based "Monster" playing many gigs throughout the UK and Europe, honing and perfecting Michael Stipe's very individual stage persona.

In 2002, Rick decided it was time for a new Stipe, and along with Monster keyboard player Pete Nicholls, recruited Tony Williams on bass guitar, Paul Tonge on guitar and Nick Peters on drums.

This line-up debuted on January 1st 2003, and over the next few years built up an enviable reputation as an authentic and entertaining tribute, playing all over the UK with regular visits to Ireland and also Europe. During this time the band's web site became the most popular on search engines Google and MSN, and the vast majority of venues - from small clubs to huge festivals - have made regular return bookings.

In 2006, personal and business commitments meant that it was time for Nick to step down, to be replaced by Karl Hand, a young, talented drummer complementing the style of the band perfectly.

Stipe Highlights Include:

• Regular trips to Ireland
• Hugely successful festival appearance in Blackburn, Liverpool, Poole & Belgium
• Release of a self-penned CD single "(Need to) Breathe"
• Described by Bang! magazine as “an R.E.M. fan's wet dream”

Stipe has over sixty R.E.M songs in their repertoire. The list is continuing to grow. Just like R.E.M, this enables the band to change their set considerably and keeps everything sounding fresh.

There are many tribute bands that claim to be "the ultimate" or "the U.K’s No.1". Stipe takes this to another level; off-stage, down-to-earth and approachable - on-stage enthusiasm and energy make compelling viewing, maintaining the essence that is R.E.M.

Stipe IS the definitive R.E.M. tribute.