R.E.M.’s Peter Buck Arrested in U.K.
R.E.M.
‘s Peter Buck was arrested in connection with an air rage incident in London over the weekend. The guitarist was on route from Seattle to London on April 21st when he allegedly assaulted two British Airways crew members.
Apart from the two counts of assault, Buck was also charged with causing criminal damage on British Airways Flight 48, disobeying the lawful command of the plane’s captain as well as being intoxicated on the aircraft. Buck was arrested at Heathrow airport when the flight landed in London and detained at the Heathrow police station. After being released on bail, Buck appeared at the Uxbridge Magistrates Court in London today, and the case was adjourned until June 18th.
Outside the court, R.E.M. manager Bertis Downs read the following statement from Buck: “I am sorry for the incident and of course I am embarrassed about the whole thing. However, I have been advised not to talk about it further.”
Meanwhile, R.E.M.’s latest effort Reveal is scheduled for release on May 15th and the band is scheduled to play a handful of promotional dates in London including a performance at the South Africa Freedom Day Concert in London’s Trafalgar Square on April 29th. The band will play additional promotional dates in Europe and North America.
On May 14th, R.E.M. will host a listening party in downtown Athens, Georgia to benefit the non-profit organization community connection. Along with a listen to the CD in its entirety party-goers will have the option of bidding on a few items for auction donated by artists like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Madonna and Elton John. On May 15th, R.E.M. will perform on The Late Show With David Letterman.