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PEI originally shot this scene because the musician brought me a moment of joy. Music generally does that for me but I have a certain affinity for buskers as they are like modern day #Komusomonks who played the shakuhachi for alms in old Japan. I gave him a few bucks and motioned with my camera if it was ok to film him, he smile and knodded yes. I also wanted to share the real life moment of an immigrant making life better for everyone. Then I notice the guy sitting behind him. It was @michaelstipe !
R.E.M was such a huge influence on me growing up, and seeing this monstrously famous punk rock star here riding the MTA like everyone else brought me even greater joy. Like the time I saw David Johansen of the New York Dolls and Buster Poindexter on the train before there were smartphones. I wasn’t going to share this publicly but I was reminded of how cool it was to see that video of Keanu Reeves giving up his seat to an MTA strap hanger. I think this was at the height of his fame after the Matrix. Some celebrities might have a problem with invasion of privacy and I respect that. But, I have a feeling that Michael, for all the good work he’s done through music to unite people, probably wouldn’t mind me sharing this. Let me know your thoughts Michael. I’d be happy to take this video down. 🙏❤️
#REM #michaelstipe #punkrockstar #mta
@perryyungofficial
