AMIDST the neon rush of 80s music R.E.M. began.

They were rock-boned and country-rooted and in time they built a towering back catalogue that would reach from the addictive highs of Shiny Happy People down to the reflective darkness of Everybody Hurts, covering all else in between.

The Guardian recently headlined: “Michael Stipe will sing again”, but his fans know there are no plans for the band that called it a day in 2011.

Fortunately their music has not been silenced thanks to the highly acclaimed tribute band Stipe, named after R.E.M.’s singer.

And they will play Southampton Brook tomorrow night.

Any music fan will try to convert you to their music. An early R.E.M.

album loaned to Stipe’s lead vocalist, Richard Southern, worked its magic and convinced him to make a first visit to see R.E.M. live.

“That was the best live performance, ever,” said Richard.

“The music of R.E.M. left such an impression on myself that it will always be a part of my life,” he added. “For as long as I am able, I will keep singing those songs and performing as Michael Stipe.”

And as much as R.E.M. was bigger than the individuals alone then so is this tribute. Also in Stipe are Martyn Smith on drums and vocals, Steve Bell on lead guitar, James Davies on rhythm guitar and vocals, and Johnny Stringer on bass guitar and vocals.

Their professionalism and commitment brings the parts together making the best of tributes; a band that has repeat bookings across the country and tours in Europe. In performance Stipe make R.E.M.’s charismatic music their own.

Michael Stipe, on hearing Stipe perform live, declared: “These guys are awesome.”

BBC Radio said: “My advice to you – if you hear Stipe are playing a gig near you then drop everything and go and see them.”

So get down to The Brook, Southampton. To hear Stipe is to fall in love with this music, for the first time or all over again.