NEW YORK NY (October 4, 2022) – Today, Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes, and long-time friend and promoter Velena Vego announce a special two-night benefit concert celebrating one of the most prolific rock bands, R.EM., and their debut E.P. Chronic Town. This once-in-a-lifetime concert celebrates the 40th anniversary of one of our most legendary rock bands while also bringing together musicians across all genres who have long-admired R.E.M. and their culture-shifting catalog. 

Both evenings will be hosted by award-winning Comedian David Cross, with Rich Robinson and other special guests performing the five-track E.P. in its entirety including “Gardening At Night,” “Wolves, Lower,” and “1,000,000.” Additional guest performances will include fan-favorite tracks spanning the decades. Dates for the two-night benefit are set for December 14 at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, GA, and December 15 at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta, GA. All net proceeds from the concert will benefit Planned Parenthood. General ticket on-sale for the Coca-Cola Roxy show will begin on October 7 at 10am/ EST. Tickets for the 40 Watt Club performance will begin on October 11 at 10am/ EST. 

Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes said, “Growing up in Atlanta in the 1980s, R.E.M. was the preeminent band of that era. Their music was a huge influence not only on the Atlanta music scene but also on my brother and me. I’m so happy to be able to put together this celebration for a band that meant so much to us and music, and Chronic Town is what started it all.”  

The house band for this two-night spectacular consists of Barrett Martin (Screaming Trees, R.E.M.) on drums, Sven Pipien (The Black Crowes) on bass, as well as Rich Robinson (The Black Crowes) on the guitar and vocals. Additional world-renowned artists confirmed to perform include, Darius Rucker, Steve Wynn, Kevin Kinney of Atlanta-based rock band, Drivin’ N Cryin’, John Cameron Mitchell, Fred Armisen, David Ryan Harris, Lenny Kaye of Patti Smith Band, Elf Power, Pylon Reenactment Society, and producer of Chronic Town, Mitch Easter of Let’s Active. The Indigo Girls and John Driskell Hopkins of Zac Brown Band will join the performance on December 14 only, while Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes is set to perform at the Atlanta date only. In addition to the star-studded list of legendary artists announced, fans can also expect surprise performances from other very special guests each night. 

DATES:

December 14 40 Watt Club Athens, GA TICKET LINK 

December 15 Coca- Cola Roxy Atlanta, GA TICKET LINK