That's Me in the Corner

Yesterday I went to a Q&A with REM guitarist Mike Mills, not far away here in East Cobb. Like me, Mills grew up in Macon, loves the Braves, and plays a lot of golf. Just turned 65. You’d be envious of the sporting events he’s attended: two Super Bowls, a World Cup, UGA games, etc. Goes to the Masters most every year. He’s currently in a band called The Baseball Project.

Mills was in town to auction off some of his sports memorabilia (above L&R), which included a batting helmet signed by Hank Aaron ($1000.00), several bats, bobbleheads, and autographed baseballs and photos. A framed picture of Mills throwing out the first pich at a Mariners game – to Ken Griffey Jr. He said he accumulated his items here and there. Once he was at an auction bidding for a tricked out golf cart for his father, but the bidding was fierce. Finally Mills leaned over to see who he was bidding against: Michael Jordan. One of the more expensive items for sale was a drawing of MJ. Selling for $1500.00. Proceeds from the sales go to his Mills Family Foundation, which contributes to needy charities in and around Athens.

The Q&A was hosted by Kevin McAlpin, host of the Braves pregame & postgame radio show. Mills spoke of getting his start in music, the early days in Athens playing in front of 50 people, which places they liked to play (Chicago and New Orleans, for different reasons), writing his hit song “Nightswimming” (the same notes over and over, which made it easy for frontman Michael Stipe to write the classic lyrics). Mills said back in the early 80’s the clubs would close early, so afterwards the students would migrate to an old farmer’s pond (he didn’t seem to mind) to swim and build bonfires. REM disliked opening for other performers, with two exceptions: both artists they greatly admired and wanted to learn from. He said that unlike sports and business, in music there were no winners and losers. When a band like U2 put out a great album, it inspired REM to create great music as well.

Mike became a Braves fan back in the 60’s, and became a season ticketholder after the 1991 season. Was never able to meet Hank Aaron. Was wearing his classic 1995 World Series t-shirt. Turns in all his golf scores to track his handicap, both good and bad. Currently a 19, but hopes to get it back down to a 16 this summer.

When McAlpin ran out of questions, he opened the floor for more. Some about the Braves, more about music. Hated that he missed Mickey Dolenz when he passed through, praising the former Monkee’s new release. The music had been written by Michael Nesmith’s son. Mills had once played at the same festival, in the set before Dolenz. After he finished, Mills stayed unstage to play guitar for “Last Train to Clarksville” and “I’m a Believer”.

Mills was asked about the green suit he’s worn in the What’s the Frequency Kenneth” video (Hollywood). Said that if he were to ever sell some of his music memorabilia, some of his classic suits would be sold (Mills was often the band’s most nattily dressed member). Would he write a memior? He’s considered it, but doesn’t want to profit by telling potentially hurtful stories at his bandmate’s expense. Unlike the Beatles, REM split all profits and royalties equally regardless of who wrote the music and lyrics.

I asked about his time growing up in Macon. He moved to Macon in 7th grade, and stayed until moving to UGA in 1982. He said that back in the 60s and 70s Macon was a great music town, though still greatly segregated. There was only one place in town where blacks and whites played music together. Mills said that Macon has come a long way since then.

Brought one of Matthew’s REM CD’s to get autographed. When it came my turn I didn’t have anything much to say. Same when we got our picture taken together. Mike put his arm around me and held on tight, but the result didn’t look worthy of posting on social media. Proposed captions: “That’s me in the corner” or “Two Macon boys” or “Shiny Happy People”.

Hadn’t been to the venue before: Duck’s Dugout, a sports memorabilia store at the corner of East Piedmont in East Cobb. Lots of cool merchandise, all out of my price range. Baseballs, bobbleheads, jerseys, photos, old magazines, helmets. Seats from old Yankee Stadium, Shea Stadium, Turner Field, Tiger Stadium, Fenway Park, Comminsky Park. Old games. An old cigar store Indian. Met Duck, who earned his nickname as a Navy pilot. They’d hosted similar events for athletes, but this was their first rock star.