For those of you who know me, I am a devoted R.E.M. fan. I used to be a collector, but that ended with an ex a long time ago. Besides, who can keep up with all that crap. I got my R.E.M. seats this time, like I did last time, from the fan club. This time, I was in row 8, seats 13/14 (on the outside isle). I was a bit worried about who was going with me. Two weeks before the show I still hadn't secured a guest. THANK GOD FOR COUSIN CINDY. The godess said she would love to go. The plan was set, she was going to meet me at Ikea in Berkeley, and we would drive in together. Not only that, she secured us free parking on the campus, a meer 50 yards from where we needed to be. Employee parking, can't beat that! Last Friday, the day of the show, I left work early (although I still wasn't eating much and looking a bit green). It took me all of 1.5 hours to get to Berkeley. Not too bad. It could have been worse. Cindy got off even earlier than I did, and managed to do some shopping before I even arrived. Boo. I would have liked that. We got in her car and started the drive up to the campus. Believe it or not, we didn't get lost. Not even once. We easily found the parking and the theatre. It was like a perfect thing. Once inside, we found some hot tea and a pizza for me. Yes, I know, pizza wasn't the right food for my tummy, but neither were the garlic fries that taunted me all night, I think I made the better choice. The first band, was from Athens, GA. I think they were called five eight. The lead singer had so much bodily fluid, it was just gross. He had these lame 1980's dance moves, and over "moved" everything. I'm not sure if I liked the music or not, but the moves and bodily fluids certainly were entertaining. Gave me and Cindy lots to be catty about. Peter Buck did play one song with them, and the lead singer slimed his leather jacket. We felt bad for him. Oh yeah, the bass player was so excited that he even forgot to introduce himself. It was funny.