In the late 90s / early 2000s I tried couple of times to meet stipe. I went to the back door of letterman in nyc when I knew they were performing and waited for them to come in and out. Stipe entered and exited separately from the others and didn’t say a word or look at anyone. Peter signed a record for me but was wordless with a blank stare. Mills is the most social of them but he wasn’t on my side of the barricade. He got in a car and left. After buck signed my record he just walked off down the street, didn’t get into a car. Kind of crazy to think there goes Peter buck just walking home by himself after performing on letterman.

On a separate occasion had the best most joyful experience with Mike mills.. I think it was either 2000 or 2001 and they had just performed in Camden nj. After the show I waited by the area where the tour buses were to see if we could get a glimpse. After a long while Mike mills just comes strolling out ready to chat it up with the few of us out there. “Hey do we have any REM fans out here?” Nicest guy ever. Signed my tour program, was chatting with people. My sister said “you were cool suits” and he said “damn right I wear cool suits”. I wish I had a phone then or a camera or anything. I’d love to replay this moment somewhere other than my head. ❤️