Chronological breakdown of the recording, filming, and commercial release of the 2007 live album.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
European Tour Closure
The band concludes the winter leg of the Around the World Tour in Dublin, setting the stage for the live recording.
Key Events
Tour Context Setup — Winter European leg of the Around the World Tour supports the thirteenth studio album. Location: Europe
Point Theatre Recording — Band performs closing nights on February 26 and 27, 2005. Location: Point Theatre, Dublin
Filming Direction — Blue Leach directs and films the live performance for DVD release. Location: Point Theatre, Dublin
Live Recording & Filming
Blue Leach captures the February 2005 performances, featuring rare tracks and the debut of an unreleased song.
Key Events
Filming Direction — Blue Leach directs and films the live performance for DVD release. Location: Point Theatre, Dublin
Rare Track Performance — Band performs rare tracks including I Took Your Name and Ascent of Man. Location: Point Theatre, Dublin
Unreleased Song Debut — First live appearance of the previously unreleased I'm Gonna DJ. Location: Point Theatre, Dublin
Post Production & Fan Outreach
Footage is edited while the band launches a fan zine to gather reviews and build promotional momentum.
Key Events
Post Production Phase — Audio and video footage are edited and mixed for commercial release. Location: Editing Studio
Fan Zine Launch — Band launches a zine on September 26, 2007 to solicit fan reviews. Location: Online Platform
UK Album Release — Official release of the live album and DVD on October 15, 2007. Location: United Kingdom
Global Release & Formats
The album drops in the UK and US with multiple audio options, culminating in a vinyl collector edition.
Key Events
UK Album Release — Official release of the live album and DVD on October 15, 2007. Location: United Kingdom
US Album Release — Album released one day later in the United States. Location: United States
Audio Format Selection — Viewers can choose between stereo or digital 5.1 surround sound playback. Location: DVD Menu Interface
Vinyl Compilation — Physical triple vinyl set released in February 2008 for collectors. Location: Record Stores
Studio Version Release — Studio version of I'm Gonna DJ appears on the 2008 Accelerate release. Location: Music Industry
Story Breakdown
Tour Context Setup — Background of the European tour leg supporting the Around the Sun album.
Winter European Leg — Concert tour dates across Europe in early 2005.
Point Theatre Dublin — Specific venue hosting the closing performance nights.
Filming Direction — Cinematographic approach and directorial choices for the live capture.
Blue Leach Cinematography — Director known for Depeche Mode live films takes the helm.
DVD Production Setup — Technical framework for capturing multi-angle live footage.
Setlist & Rare Tracks — Musical highlights and uncommon song selections during the concert.
Monster Era Tracks — Performance of I Took Your Name from the 1994 album.
Around the Sun Material — Live rendition of Ascent of Man from the 2004 release.
Fan Engagement Strategy — Marketing initiatives designed to involve the audience before release.
Live Zine Launch — Digital publication created on September 26, 2007.
Review Solicitation — Direct campaign asking fans to submit album feedback.
Release Timeline — Sequential rollout of the album across different international markets.
UK October Launch — Initial commercial drop on October 15, 2007.
US Day After Release — American distribution follows exactly one day later.
Audio Formats Distribution — Technical specifications and physical media variations for consumers.
Stereo And 5.1 Mix — DVD menu allows switching between standard and surround sound.
Triple Vinyl Compilation — Limited physical edition released in February 2008.
R.E.M. Live is a live album from R.E.M., recorded at the Point Theatre, Dublin, on February 26 and 27, 2005, the closing nights of the winter European leg of the Around the World Tour in support of their thirteenth studio album Around the Sun released in late 2004. It was released in the United Kingdom on October 15, 2007 and in the United States a day later as a two-Compact Disc audio set and a DVD, then released in February 2008 as a triple vinyl set. The performance was filmed by Blue Leach the same director of Depeche Mode DVD "Touring the Angel: Live in Milan". R.E.M. Live features rare performances of "I Took Your Name" from 1994's Monster and "Ascent of Man" from Around The Sun as well as the previously unreleased "I'm Gonna DJ." A studio version of that song would later appear on the band's 2008 effort, Accelerate. On September 26, 2007, the band launched R.E.M. Live Zine to solicit reviews from fans and promote the album.
