Formed in 1996 by Rick Southern (vocals), the original Stipe performed all around the North of England and Scotland to appreciative R.E.M. fans. Lineup changes and the opportunity to play more widespread venues in the UK, Ireland, Holland and Belgium later led Rick to join Monster who continued wowing audiences, due in no small part to Rick's uncanny ability to match Michael Stipe's dynamics and inflection.
With Monster having to turn down gigs due to various members' other commitments, the decision to reform Stipe with Monster's Pete Nicholls (keyboards) seemed the obvious way to go. After going through enough auditions to people a hit reality TV show, the band lineup was completed by Tony Williams (bass), Paul Tonge (guitar) and Nick Peters (drums).
Tony's a onetime new wave guitarist turned computer game programmer. Paul has spent many years writing music for the video games industry and is an accomplished guitarist out of a number of Manchester bands, Suggarrush springs immediately to mind. Nick meanwhile is an experienced drummer, most recently playing with Blondie tribute Eat to the Beat.
From the sublimely mellow "Daysleeper" to the power chords of "What's the Frequency Kenneth?", the band take in all R.E.M.'s most wanted - if you want the stage presence of R.E.M.'s front man, the distinctive guitar sounds of Peter Buck and the wailing backing vocals of Mike Mills, you know what you want ? You want Stipe.

Tracks performed include :- 
Losing my Religion, Everybody Hurts, Man on the Moon, It's the End of the World as we know it (and I feel fine), The One I Love, Lotus, Imitation of Life, Stand, What's the Frequency, Kenneth?, The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite, Daysleeper, Welcome to the Occupation