Michael Shannon & Jason Narducy Celebrate R.E.M.’s Document on 2027 Tour

In early 2027, R.E.M. fans will have a rare opportunity to relive one of the band’s most pivotal albums live. Actor Michael Shannon and musician Jason Narducy have announced a North American tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of Document, the 1987 album that marked R.E.M.’s commercial breakthrough. The tour kicks off on February 3 in Denver and spans over three months, with stops in major cities and a two-night stand in R.E.M.’s hometown of Athens, Georgia, where the band first gained fame in the 1980s.

A Labor of Love for R.E.M.’s Legacy

For over a decade, Shannon and Narducy have made it a tradition to perform entire albums by their favorite artists, with R.E.M. serving as a recurring centerpiece. Their 2027 tour follows previous celebrations of Murmur, Fables of the Reconstruction, and Lifes Rich Pageant, each drawing devoted crowds and occasional surprise appearances from R.E.M. members themselves. This time, the focus is on Document, the band’s fifth studio album and their last release on IRS Records before signing with Warner Bros.

Document holds a special place in R.E.M.’s discography. It was their first album to go platinum and featured some of their most enduring songs, including "The One I Love," "It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)," and "Finest Worksong." For Shannon, the album was his introduction to the band. "This is the album that introduced me to R.E.M.," he said in a statement. "If you had told me when I was a kid that someday I’d get up on stage and perform it, I wouldn’t be able to comprehend, probably even believe, that."

Narducy, whose career includes stints with Bob Mould, Superchunk, and Sunny Day Real Estate, shares a similarly deep connection to the record. He recalled buying Document at 16 during a trip to Madison, Wisconsin, and feeling an immediate bond with its music. "The first song was ‘Finest Worksong,’ and I felt deeply connected to the lyrics, the energy," he said. "I cannot wait to join the band to play these songs."

What to Expect on Tour

Shannon and Narducy will be backed by a talented ensemble of musicians, including: - Jon Wurster (drums) – Known for his work with The Mountain Goats and Bob Mould. - John Stirratt (bass) – A longtime member of Wilco. - Dag Juhlin (guitar) – Formerly of Poi Dog Pondering. - Vijay Tellis-Nayak (keyboards) – A versatile session musician.

The setlist will center on Document performed in full, but fans can also expect additional R.E.M. classics from across their catalog. Past tours have included deep cuts and fan favorites, and the duo’s dynamic stage presence—Shannon’s theatrical intensity paired with Narducy’s musical precision—has become a hallmark of these shows.

One of the tour’s most exciting elements is the potential for surprise guest appearances. In recent years, R.E.M. members Mike Mills, Peter Buck, and even Michael Stipe have joined Shannon and Narducy onstage for impromptu performances. During their 2025 show in Athens, Mills, Buck, and Bill Berry (R.E.M.’s original drummer) rotated through songs, while Stipe sang "These Days" and "The Great Beyond" at a Brooklyn date earlier that year. While no official reunions are guaranteed, the possibility adds an extra layer of anticipation for attendees.

Tour Dates and Ticket Information

The 2027 tour spans 25 dates across the U.S. and Canada, with highlights including: - February 3: Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall - February 12-13: San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore (two nights) - March 4-5: Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel (two nights) - March 9: Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium - March 13: Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed - May 8 & 10: Athens, GA – 40 Watt Club (two nights in R.E.M.’s hometown)

Tickets go on sale to the general public on October 2 at 10:00 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster. Citi cardmembers and fans who sign up for the artist pre-sale can access tickets starting September 30 at 10:00 a.m. local time. Prices and VIP packages have not been announced, but past tours have offered meet-and-greet opportunities and exclusive merchandise.

Why Document Matters

Released in 1987, Document was a turning point for R.E.M. It captured the band at the height of their creative powers, blending jangly guitars, politically charged lyrics, and infectious melodies. The album’s success propelled them from college radio darlings to mainstream stars, setting the stage for their 1988 breakthrough, Green. For longtime fans, the tour offers a chance to revisit a record that defined an era, while newer listeners can experience its timeless appeal in a live setting.

Whether you’re a die-hard R.E.M. devotee or a casual fan of 1980s alternative rock, Shannon and Narducy’s Document tour promises a night of nostalgia, musicianship, and the kind of communal energy that only comes from hearing beloved songs performed live. With a lineup of talented musicians and the potential for surprise appearances, it’s an event that shouldn’t be missed.