Michael Shannon & Jason Narducy – First Avenue – Minneapolis MN – March 12th 2025

Michael Shannon & Jason Narducy and friends play R.E.M.’s Fables of the Reconstruction

Review and photos by Todd Johnson

Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy’s tribute to Fables of the Reconstruction is a passionate, high-energy celebration of R.E.M.’s early work, blending reverence for the original album with a fresh, dynamic approach. Shannon, best known for his intense acting roles, delivers Michael Stipe’s poetic, cryptic lyrics with a dramatic flair, while Narducy and the band bring a tight, spirited musicianship that captures the raw, Southern Gothic essence of Fables.

The full-album performance highlights the record’s atmospheric storytelling, from the jangly urgency of “Driver 8” to the eerie beauty of “Wendell Gee.” The band leans into the album’s murky, folk-tinged production, but with an added live energy that makes tracks like “Auctioneer (Another Engine)” and “Can’t Get There From Here” feel urgent and immediate.

Beyond Fables, their setlist often dips into R.E.M.’s early catalog, delighting longtime fans with deep cuts and surprises. The chemistry between Shannon and Narducy, along with their bandmates, keeps the show engaging—not just a note-for-note recreation, but a loving reinterpretation with its own personality.

For R.E.M. devotees, the tour is a rare chance to hear Fables played in its entirety with both respect and reinvention. For casual fans, it’s a reminder of how influential and unique this era of R.E.M. was. Either way, it’s a must-see for lovers of ‘80s alternative rock.