Michael Shannon’s Lifelong Connection to R.E.M.’s Music

Michael Shannon’s name has been cropping up again, largely thanks to a recently surfaced behind-the-scenes snap from Zack Snyder’s 2013 take on Man of Steel. The image, showing Shannon in full General Zod mode, has reignited chatter among superhero enthusiasts. While the film itself split opinion, his portrayal of the volatile antagonist was widely praised, and it’s hard to forget that intense, vein-popping glare as he faced off against Superman. The blockbuster, despite its mixed critical reception, pulled in huge numbers at the box office and did wonders for Shannon’s profile, which had already been on the rise since his Oscar-nominated turn in Revolutionary Road back in 2008.

Following his stint as Zod, Shannon’s career didn’t slow. He picked up a Golden Globe nod for 99 Homes, then landed another Oscar nomination for his role in Tom Ford’s Nocturnal Animals. By 2017, he was starring in Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water, a film that swept the Oscars and took home Best Picture. Not content to stick solely to acting, Shannon also made an appearance in a music video for Lucero, a Memphis band fronted by the brother of director Jeff Nichols, with whom Shannon has collaborated frequently. This wasn’t just a favour for a mate; it also hinted at Shannon’s own musical leanings.

From Stage to Studio: Shannon’s Musical Pursuits

Shannon isn’t just a casual music fan. He fronts his own indie outfit, Corporal, and has a penchant for performing entire albums by other artists. He’s taken to the road with full cover sets of R.E.M. records, delving into lesser-known tracks from albums like Murmur and Fables of the Reconstruction, as well as tackling Neil Young’s Zuma. He’s described these performances as “glorified karaoke,” but he’s quick to point out that he doesn’t attempt to mimic Michael Stipe. Instead, it’s about celebrating the music that’s meant so much to him personally.

His admiration for R.E.M. runs deep. In a conversation with NPR, Shannon reflected on the comfort he’s found in their work during difficult times:

“…when we were talking about, you know, the dark ages of my life, I took a lot of solace in the music of REM. And it feels like this band made these songs just for you, when you listen to them, to help you, like, navigate the pain and absurdity of existence”.

He went on,

“And there’s so many people that feel that way. And yet it – you – that’s the thing about really incredible music, I feel, is that it’s very public and very private at the same time.”

Full Circle Moments and Future Projects

Last year, Shannon and his bandmate Jason Narducy, who also plays with Bob Mould of Sugar, took their R.E.M. tribute on tour in the UK. February brought a particularly memorable night in Athens, Georgia, where Shannon’s group performed in the band’s hometown. The evening took a turn when Michael Stipe himself joined them on stage for ‘Pretty Persuasion’, and, as if that weren’t enough, R.E.M.’s drummer Bill Berry—watching from the crowd—also stepped up to play. Given that R.E.M. officially disbanded fifteen years ago, the impromptu reunion caused quite a stir among fans.

Shannon’s schedule remains packed. He’s set to appear in the upcoming horror sci-fi Buddy alongside Cristin Milioti, known for her role in The Penguin, and will reunite with director Jeff Nichols and Margaret Qualley for the horror film King Snake. Whether on screen or on stage, Shannon continues to find new ways to channel his creative energy, with R.E.M.’s music never far from his heart.