R.E.M, Walter's Bar-B-Que, Athens, Georgia, 1984

By Laura Levine

R.E.M. and I clicked from the moment we met at our first photo shoot in my Chinatown apartment back in 1982. We became close friends, and over the next few years as we spent an increasing amount of time together, I photographed them more than any other band before or since: on the road, at their homes, in my studio, backstage and onstage.

This particular photograph was taken in March 1984 in their hometown, of Athens, Georgia. The band was about to release its second album, Reckoning, and since their record label didn't have a budget to send a photographer to Athens to do a publicity session, I flew down on my own dime to shoot pictures, make a Super-8 film (Just Like a Movie) and spend a few days hanging out with my friends.

For the next few days I shot rolls and rolls of film as the five of us explored every nook and cranny in Athens that had photogenic possibilities - the railroad tracks, abandoned factories, trees blanketed in kudzu, outsider artist R.A. Miller's whirlygig yard and, of course, Walter's Bar-B-Que.  Actually, this shot at Walter's wasn't even planned. We'd been taking photos all morning and we'd worked up quite an appetite, so we stopped into Walter's for lunch (It was the guys' favorite BBQ joint).  While we were eating I looked around and saw a great photograph there, so I stepped behind the counter and quickly took a few frames (I'm afraid I didn't even allow them to eat their meals in peace).  By the way, that's my plate of food in front of Michael Stipe.

This photograph has a special place in my heart not only because of our friendship, but because it documents a time and a place that disappeared soon thereafter. (Even Walter's is long out of business). I don't suppose any us of could have imagined how much would change in just a few years' time. It captures those last moments of innocence, just as they were on the cusp of stardom and about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime.  But mostly, for me, when I look at this photograph, I see my four friends being themselves, smiling, relaxing, and chowing down on a good Southern meal.

See Laura Levine's other images in the Who Shot Rock & Roll exhibit, currently showing at the Annenberg Space for Photography. To learn more about the photographer and her work visit her official website.

Who Shot Rock & Roll: The Film accompanies the photo exhibit of the same name. The short documentary focuses on the work of the show's nine featured photographers with original interviews and hundreds more rock & roll images. One of the interviewees, Mary McCartney, discusses her mother Linda's body of work. Watch a 3-minute clip of Mary talking about her mother's photos of Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and many others above. A young Mary even makes an appearance in one of the photos she discusses.

Who Shot Rock & Roll: Live continued over the weekend with the second of three concerts we are presenting with KCRW - and what a show it was! The night served to bring people together to celebrate music and photography  as well as commemorate the 40th anniversary of T. Rex's influential album The Slider - all for free! Portugal. The Man put on an amazing show - one that people were still talking about days afterward.

Droves of people filled the park outside of the Annenberg Space for Photography.

Everyone was in good spirits at this all ages show. Some adults even let out their more youthful and care-free side.

There was a line to enter to see the Who Shot Rock & Roll photography exhibit all day long.

One of the exhibit's featured photographers, Ed Colver, who also attended the Moby concert earlier this month, showed up with his lovely wife Karin.

Before the show, the members of Portugal. The Man came up to the Annenberg Foundation to play for a live televised news segment.

KCRW DJs Dan Wilcox & Gary Calamar began the entertainment part of the night by spinning some records.

The crowd had a good time listening to music...

...and dancing!

A concertgoer proudly shows off his newly purchased Who Shot Rock & Roll t-shirt!

Portugal. The Man came on stage shortly after 8 o'clock playing their own songs as well as covers of T. Rex tunes.

The band has even compiled their own YouTube video playlist inspired by the exhibit.

The crowd - really energized by the music!

The band ended their fantastic hour and a half-long set with a lively rendition of the Beatles' "Hey Jude."

Thanks to everyone who came out to this magical night to enjoy rock & roll images and rock & roll music. Our third (and final!) show in the free concert series with Band of Skulls & Raphael Saadiq will be Saturday, August 4. Find more information about that night here.

(All images by Unique Nicole for the Space)

Our free summer concert series,Who Shot Rock & Roll: Live, which we are presenting in conjunction with KCRW continues this Saturday, July 21st, with Portugal. The Man (yes, that additional period is their own). The band will perform live to celebrate the 40th anniversary of album The Slider by T. Rex, who were one of their early influences. Taking place just outside of the Annenberg Space for Photography, the event will also feature DJs Dan Wilcox and Gary Calamar spinning before Portugal. The Man's performance.

Please note that attendees will be granted entry on a first-come, first-served basis until we hit capacity. RSVP does not guarantee entry. If you are coming in a large group, we recommend that everyone show up at the venue together. We can only accommodate the first 4,000 guests. One wristband per person will be distributed at check-in. No ins & outs, including access to your car in the garage, are allowed.

Additionally, chairs, umbrellas, pets are not allowed into the venue. There will be food carts available for purchase and a beer garden will be open for those who are 21+. No outside beverages or alcohol are allowed but you are welcome to bring your own food and picnic blankets. Please note, these purchases are also cash only. Restaurants in the complex that will be open to provide food include Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Habanero Grill, Piknic, Sen Asian Kitchen, and The Stand.

The general public will be able to visit the galleries of the Photography Space to see Who Shot Rock & Roll from 11am - 5pm on Saturday without having to wear a wristband. After 5pm, the Space will only be accessible to those visitors who are wearing a wristband as a concertgoer. As a bonus, those guests will be able to enjoy the exhibit through 11pm.

Self-parking in the underground garage at Century Park is a flat rate of $1. You must bring cash and pay upon entry. If the underground parking is closed when you arrive, this means the concert is already at capacity. Therefore, we strongly advise against finding alternate parking in the area.

Who Shot Rock & Roll: Live is a free concert series created by the Annenberg Foundation and KCRW to benefit the community. The Foundation supports the arts as part of its mission to share ideas and knowledge. The Annenberg Foundation and KCRW encourage you to continue to support the arts.

Follow both the Photography Space and KCRW on Twitter for real-time updates on capacity on the day of the show.

Read all about Moby's amazing show last weekend, our first entry in this free concert series. Looking forward to celebrating rock & roll and photography with the community on Saturday - see you then!