88 - R.E.M. Twin Tone Records, Big Star & more with Peter Jesperson

We are joined by Peter Jesperson as he tells us about his time spent with R.E.M. & his role in Twin Tone Records in the twin cities of Minneapolis/St.Paul. We also squeeze in a couple of stories about his time around Alex Chilton & the 1993 Big Star reunion.

Peter's career began importing records into Minneapolis from the UK at legendary record store Oar Folk, specifically the first release Beatles albums with the UK tracklistings.

While at Oar Folk the store pioneered in-store appearances & gigs from bands passing through Minnesota including Ian Hunter, Mick Ronson, Graham Parker, Pere Ubu, Blondie, the Dead Boys, Devo, Ian Dury, The Only Ones & The Ramones (on no less than 3 separate occasions.

We hear about the important Twin Cities venues of the time - The Longhorn, The Depot, First Avenue, The Labor Temple & the 7th Street Entry,

From there Peter plays a key role in the founding of legendary indie label Twin Tone records with over 300 records released over 20 years & distributed by Rough Trade.

Bands based in the area during this time include Soul Asylum, The Replacements, Husker Du, the Suicide Commandos, Flamingo & more.

In 1981 Peter first hears 'Radio Free Europe' the debut release by R.E.M. & they play their first gig in the area on Thanksgiving of that same year. Over the next year the band are back in Minneapolis on 3 separate occasions & Peter gets to know them & starts joining them at gigs elsewhere.

The band invite him to become their Tour Manager & he unexpectedly ends up sharing a room with Michael Stipe. Peter drives the van into Shea Stadium as one of seven dates the band share with Sting & The Police.

After a year or so with R.E.M. Peter joins back up with the Replacements & his time with the band comes to an end.

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