Watch Michael Stipe join members of The National for R.E.M.’s ‘E-Bow The Letter’

In a remarkable convergence of alternative rock icons, Michael Stipe, the former frontman of R.E.M., shared the stage with members of The National for a rare live performance of "E-Bow The Letter" in Biarritz, France. This event, held on October 17, was part of the AB100 festival, a two-day celebration commemorating the 50th birthdays of twin brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner.

The venue, Atabal, welcomed an array of musicians connected to the Dessner brothers, highlighting the deep collaborative ties within the indie and alternative music communities. Alongside Stipe, The National’s lead vocalist Matt Berninger and the Dessner twins delivered a rendition of the song originally released as the lead single from R.E.M.’s 1996 album "New Adventures In Hi-Fi."

The performance carried historical resonance, as "E-Bow The Letter" was penned during R.E.M.’s 1995 stay in San Sebastián, a city near the festival location. Stipe’s presence at the event underscored his ongoing affinity with The National and the Dessners, with whom he has maintained a creative relationship spanning over a decade.

Aaron Dessner reflected on the band's past, recalling how The National once opened for R.E.M. during their 2008 North American tour, an experience that seeded a lasting artistic partnership. This connection further blossomed into direct collaboration when Stipe and Aaron released the single "No Time For Love Like Now" in 2020 under the Big Red Machine project, which also included orchestration by Bryce Dessner.

The evening’s atmosphere blended camaraderie and musical homage. Prior to performing, Stipe presented Aaron and Bryce with handcrafted sculptures as tokens of appreciation. Berninger contributed to the light-hearted moment by distributing chewing gum to the audience, underscoring the festival’s intimate and celebratory spirit.

"E-Bow The Letter" has recurrently featured in Stipe’s live collaborations beyond R.E.M., with notable performances alongside artists such as Thom Yorke of Radiohead, who has stepped into the vocal role originally held by Patti Smith. This continued reinterpretation highlights the song's enduring appeal within alternative rock circles.

The AB100 festival, spanning Biarritz and the neighboring Spanish city of San Sebastián, showcased a diverse lineup including Ben Howard, Kevin Morby, and Jon Hopkins. The event not only marked a milestone for the Dessners but also served as a nexus for creative exchanges among their close musical associates.

Looking ahead, The National prepared to headline the festival’s concluding concert on October 18 at the Kursaal Auditorium in San Sebastián. This appearance would be their first full-band performance of 2026, promising a gathering of collaborators and special guests, reinforcing the band’s reputation for dynamic live experiences.

Recent releases from The National provide context for their ongoing artistic vitality, with 2023’s albums "Laugh Track" and "First Two Pages Of Frankenstein" reflecting the band's evolving sound. Meanwhile, Michael Stipe continues to develop his long-anticipated solo debut. After sharing the spoken-word track "Hum Desiderata" in July and performing an unreleased song on national television earlier in the year, he aims to complete the album by the end of 2026.

The intersection of these artists on stage in Biarritz encapsulated not only a celebration of friendship and artistic kinship but also the sustained influence of R.E.M.'s legacy within contemporary music. The collaboration was emblematic of the mutual respect and creative synergy that continue to inspire their work more than two decades after the original recording of "E-Bow The Letter." Details about future projects remain limited, but this performance has undoubtedly added a significant chapter to the narrative of these enduring artists.