Norway - R.E.M. recently wrapped up a 10-day tour of Europe to promote their new album In Time: The Best of R.E.M 1988-2003 with a special performance in Oslo, Norway, open only to fan club members, contest winners and media. The venue, known only to a selected few prior to the event, was an old factory called Uderholdningsfabrikke now dedicated to concert and event production. Midas's Norwegian distributor, AVAB-CAC provided staging, lights and sound for the show, including two Midas Heritage 3000 consoles to take care of both FOH and monitors.

According to AVAB-CAC's Asle Nilsen, the consoles were specifically requested by FOH engineer Joe Ravitch and his colleague on monitors who have both stated that they prefer to mix on an analogue board. "There isn't an engineer in the world who isn't familiar with a Heritage 3000, so if it's a top quality analogue console you're looking for, you can't go far wrong. Indeed, for a significant majority, as was the case here, it is their console of choice," commented Asle Nilsen. "I'm pleased to say the show was a huge success. Not only was it highly anticipated - tickets were going on the black market for the equivalent of £500 - but the band were in great form."

R.E.M.'s manager, Bertis Downs commented on the industrial venue: "It's been a long time since we played a rave, and the guys had a great time! They were glad to be back here and excited to play for audience members from several countries in Scandinavia."

(Lee Baldock)


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