Stephen Colbert commemorated his sign-off last night by memorializing rock star Michael Stipe and his recently dissolved outfit R.E.M. The band holds a special place in Colbert's heart as it was the first musical group to appear on his show. Therefore, the host decided to put Michael Stipe in a special place -- his bookshelf.
Colbert commemorated R.E.M. in a sincere-cum-innacurate eulogy, calling them "the R.E.M.'s" and lauding them as "a hugely influential band, known for their strong political views like their support of gun rights on their album 'Automatic for the People.'" He then proceeded to gingerly hoist Stipe onto his permanent enshrinement on his "Rock and Roll Shelf of Fame."
Per Stipe's suggestion, the two closed out the show by singing a song. After inviting Brian Eno -- the evening's guest -- to join them, the group launched into an unexpectedly awesome rendition of Bill Withers' 'Lean on Me' executed in tight three-piece harmonies. Watch them perform the entire song -- not just an excerpt, the whole shebang -- below.
Watch Michael Stipe on 'The Colbert Report'
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