New York: Michael Stipe at the Performance Space New York Spring Gala, 2018
Photo: Getty Images, Noam Galai. All rights reserved.
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REM frontman Michael Stipe has called on his fans across the US to vote in the midterms elections on Tuesday, November 8 — making an exception to his usual social media abstinence. “I’m back after a four year hiatus from all social media to encourage all Americans to vote today…” he wrote on a newly created Instagram account. “Thanks!”
“Voter turnout – YOUR VOTE – is what will most affect today’s election results…if you’re in line to vote, don’t be discouraged – your vote matters!” he continued. “So raise them up!!!” He also posted photos of himself standing in front of a signpost to a polling station with an “I Voted Early” sticker.
US punk musician Patti Smith was inspired by Stipe to do a similar thing. “Great. I agree,” she wrote under the post, sharing Stipe’s photo on her own account. “Another early voter,” she wrote. “So glad to share the ballot boxes with Michael Stipe. Thank you Michael! Thank you voters! It is our civic duty.” She later shared a photo of herself in front of a sign pointing to the polling station. “It’s a reminder. Vote today!” she wrote.
In September, Stipe announced that his debut solo single “Future if Future”, originally released in 2018, would be the world’s first release as a bioplastic record. REM disbanded in 2011 after their last album Collapse Into Now. The members have always ruled out a reunion. At the Midterms, the entire US House of Representatives and part of the Senate will be re-elected.
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