Peter Buck (aka Cousin Nigel)

randyz · Post by **randyz** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 8:17 am

I recall attending a 'Green' tour REM show at Reunion Arena in Dallas, just to see the opening act. The opener was Robyn Hitchcock and the Egyptians, touring to promote their 'Queen Elvis' album. Mr. Buck and Mr. Hitchcock are close friends, and Peter contributed 12-string Rickenbacker guitar on several Hitchcock albums. I would normally steer clear of an arena show, but it was my first opportunity to see Hitchcock perform live (I've since seen him at much better venues). Anyway, as Robyn played his black Tele, the REM fans totally ignored him. In the darkness at the back of the stage I could clearly see more than half a dozen of Peter's Ricks lined up in stands. About halfway through the opener, Robyn announced to a thoroughly disinterested crowd, that he would be joined on guitar by his 'Cousin Nigel'. From the crowd's reaction, it was obvious that no one knew who Peter Buck was.

37012mgvp · Post by **37012mgvp** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 1:16 pm

I saw REM that same week in 1989 on the "Green" tour in San Antonio, and Peter got the exact same indifferent response when he joined Robyn onstage. I was very impressed with Robyn & the Egyptians, and I've been a fan of his ever since. As for REM, the highlight of the evening for me was when they played "Driver 8", with Peter Buck on his Jetglo 360, and Peter Holsapple playing Buck's new Roger McGuinn signature Rick. Talk about jangle heaven! Could have only been better if Roger himself made a special guest appearance on that guitar. Unlike most fans at the show, I was keenly aware of who Holsapple was, having been a DB's fan too. I think that REM should have retained him much longer as a backup musician, as he gave the band a polished sound that reflected his great versatility on several instruments. I'd have given him full membership by the time they did "Out of Time". He's the best "5th Beatle" they ever had.

stubby · Post by **stubby** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 6:25 pm

I have to admit that I know very little about REM, aside from their general radio presence (I was a teenager when they were an emerging band and were all over the radio). Recently though, in light of what's been written about Peter Buck on this forum, I have been watching for Buck - and his guitars - specifically. I have seen REM a few times on the TV over the last few weeks (for example, at Live

and I am surprised by how little camera time he seems to receive. Stipes seems to grab all the spotlight, all the time, and even the bass and drummer player seem to get higher billing over Buck. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to watch any of the Live 8 concert as it was happening but saw highlights later that day. In the track I saw REM performing, I only saw a passing glimpse of Buck and his Ric, and then it was just a quick shot from the back. What's the story here? Is it the usual media thing, with the focus being only on the "frontman" or is Buck the "quiet one" in the band?

expomick · Post by **expomick** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 7:43 pm

Got to interview Peter Holsapple (and Chris Stamey) back in July 1991, when their album on Rhino came out. Nice guy, very good musician.

steverok · Post by **steverok** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 4:34 am

Pete is actually a motor-mouth, he never stops talking, far from quiet. He has some of the coolest rock moves among guitarists - jumping, spinning, kicking, bringing it down low, etc. He's also quite sensitive and expressive about music, a pro with arrangements and recording, but he's basically a rhythm guitar player. No one in REM gets much camera type, except for Michael, this problem has existed since "TourFilm" came out.

heavypet · Post by **heavypet** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 2:33 pm

What I remember most about the Green tour show that I saw was that they played "Perfect Circle", and it was apparently only the thirteenth time they'd ever played it live. (according to mister Stipe).

might be my favorite REM track.

Me and my REM-nut friend from Georgia just turned to each other, jaws dropped.

rkbsound · Post by **rkbsound** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 5:00 pm

Robyn Hitchcock is great...I know my college band played one of his tunes back in 1990, but I can't remember which one.

So when will RIC introduce the 360 PB12 model???? I've read the "signature" response from Mr. Hall on the forum on his website, but Peter Buck seems to be a perfect candidate for a signature model. Heck, they'd be easy enough to make!!!!! Sign me up now for serial number 00001.