REM resume tour in the UK

Concerns over whether megagroup REM would be able to play Ireland this weekend were put to rest as they resumed their tour at Birmingham NEC last night.

Mike Mills, the band’s bass player, was taken ill on Monday causing them to cancel their UK performances that and the following day. Flu-like symptoms were initially reported, which later developed into an inner ear infection. Their cancellations called into question whether they’d play their sold-out gigs at Belfast’s Odyssey on Friday, and Dublin’s Point on Saturday and Sunday.

But their manager, Bertie Downs, confirmed that Mike Mills had suitably recovered: “As we had hoped, the worst stage of the acute ear infection he experienced has passed and he can get back to doing what he is here to do - play shows with R.E.M.”