R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe joined members of The National to perform ‘E-Bow The Letter’ at a special concert in France on October 17. The performance took place at the Atabal venue in Biarritz as part of the AB100 festival, an event celebrating the 50th birthdays of the band's twin brothers, Aaron Dessner and Bryce Dessner.
Stipe appeared alongside the Dessner brothers and The National’s lead singer Matt Berninger. The two-day celebration, spanning Biarritz and San Sebastián, has featured a rotating cast of collaborators, including Ben Howard, Kevin Morby, and Jon Hopkins.
Aaron Dessner and Michael Stipe perform during Democracy Now! 30th Anniversary Event at Riverside Church on March 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images)
Before launching into the 1996 New Adventures In Hi-Fi single, Stipe presented the Dessner brothers with handmade sculptures, while Berninger humorously distributed chewing gum to the crowd. Stipe noted that the song was originally written during a 1995 stay in San Sebastián, a sentiment echoed by Aaron Dessner, who recalled how The National had “begged” the band to play it when they supported R.E.M. in 2008.
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The collaboration highlights a long-standing creative relationship between the artists. Stipe and Aaron Dessner previously teamed up for the 2020 single “No Time For Love Like Now” under the Big Red Machine moniker. As Stipe continues work on his long-awaited debut solo album, his live appearances remain a rare and celebrated treat for fans of both R.E.M. and the modern indie scene.