PATTI " UNAFRAID" SAYS STIPE

REM singer Michael Stipe has paid tribute to Patti Smith following his numerous contributions to her new album Gung Ho. Speaking to Launch.com, he said: "She taps into something that I think is really rare in the creative arts. She's completely unafraid as a performer - and as a person - to allow whatever that is to just come out."
Stipe duets with Patti on the first single from the album, Glitter In Their Eyes and also appeared on her last album. He has cited her an inspiration a number of times since he first heard Horses, long before his REM days. He has also quoted some of her poetry in his song lyrics.
In return, Patti sang on REM's 1996 hit E-Now The Letter and supported the band at several dates during their tour of Europe and North America last year.

March 2000