The thrill of opening for R.E.M.

This story was passed along from the record label of Mardo, which was hand-picked to open the June 5 show in Graz, Austria:

The story:

So there we were, Mardo. Another day trekking across the country on tour, when we got the call... We had been moved up to the main stage at the Rock-am-Park and Rock-im-Ring Festivals in Germany, where the headliner is R.E.M. Very cool! Then comes the kicker... R.E.M. has hand picked us, Mardo, out of all the bands on the festival to go on and open for them in Graz, Austria on the 5th of June. Now this is unbelievable!

When we got to the venue, we did not expect the royal treatment being the opening act, but man, were we wrong. We were greeted, and then greeted even more by the R.E.M. crew and shown to our dressing room (which was first class by the way!) At show time, Peter Buck stopped to chat and wish us the best. We spent some time with him talking about Seattle, and how tight they sounded on stage. Very nice guy.... We played a blistering set and the crowds were going berserk! We later learned that some of the band were watching from the sides of the stage bouncing along with our set. ...

R.E.M. came on later that night after second act Mando Diao and were in Top form! They played a variety of tunes including faves "What's the Frequency..." and new tune "Electron Blue". Then they dedicated the classic "Me In Honey" from Out of Time to us!! Closing with "Man on the Moon" was Stunning...Mind you all this was witnessed from a special area for us to watch down in the front pit. (Peter was so close, he nodded to us during his guitar solo!)

After the set, Mike Mills popped by to say Hello and chat about their travels and we ended up laughing about a past encounter in Maui where we had met before. A genuine guy! As we were about to leave, Michael's assistant stopped us and asked if we could wait and that Michael wanted to meet and say hello. So Michael came out, dressed smart yet casually, and greeted us with a warm reception. What a first class guy! All the way around, he was just a beautiful man and funny to boot! We chatted about New York, Mott the Hoople and about where we were headed next. He explained that they had a little break, then a few more weeks of touring, and then home. After a Year+ touring the new record, They were all still fresh and excited as if they had just started the night before!

What an experience it was! To say that we were honored is an understatement. We only hope that we can achieve the kind of career R.E.M. has built for themselves, and maintain the level of sincerity and professionalism that have kept throughout their 25 year history!

Aron and Robert Mardo