They played CMJ

MGMT (2007)
Brooklyn’s psychedelic electro-rockers stormed CMJ, inadvertently kicking off a whole scene (enter Chairlift, Amazing Baby et al.).

Arcade Fire (2004)
Playing the Mercury Lounge, singer Win Butler joked, “Hi, we’re Flavor of the Month.” Ha.

Eminem (1998)
With his Slim Shady LP in the pipeline, Marshall Mathers III showed the crowd why the Interscope label had snapped him up so fast.

Jeff Buckley (1994)
A month after Grace was released, the late, great Buckley played the Supper Club. “I’m not afraid to love you,” he whispered as he took the stage.

Beastie Boys (1985)
The teenage trio showcased its talents a year before releasing debut album Licensed to Ill—which became the best-selling rap album of the ’80s.

R.E.M. (1983)
Reviewing the debut LP by this band of wide-eyed Athens, Georgia upstarts, CMJ wrote, “Murmur makes R.E.M. the band to watch in 1983.”

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