Campaign Launched to Save Location of R.E.M.’s First Show

Image Courtesy of Anton CorbijnR.E.M. played their first ever show at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Athens, Georgia, in 1980.  Today, the only part of the church left is the St. Mary's Steeple.  In order to keep the steeple standing, an organization called Nuçi's Space has launched a campaign on IndieGoGo with the help of R.E.M., as well as other Athens bands like Widespread Panic, The B-52's, Of Montreal, Neutral Milk Hotel and The Drive-By Truckers.

Nuçi's Space is a health and music resource aiming to "prevent suicide by providing obstacle-free treatment for musicians suffering from depression and other such disorders as well as to assist in the emotional, physical and professional well-being of musicians."

Contributors to the campaign have a variety of perks to choose from, including a brick that had to be removed from St. Mary's Steeple during stabilization and a guitar autographed by the members of R.E.M.

The campaign's funding goal is $250,000.  It will conclude on December 13.


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