R.E.M. premiered their latest studio album ‘Accelerate’ at their first UK gig in three years at London’s Royal Albert Hall last night (March 24).

The concert, launching the 60th anniversary celebrations of the ICA arts venue, the show also featured performances from Robyn Hitchcock with guest Led Zeppelin‘s John Paul Jones, Foals and The Duke Spirit.

R.E.M showcased nine songs from the new record which is due for release next Monday (March 31).

Starting with ‘Living Well Is The Best Revenge’, they also played the album title track and new single ‘Supernatural Superserious’.

The group also found time to play old classics including ‘Losing My Religion’, ‘Drive’ and 2005 hit ‘The Great Beyond’.

To see UNCUT’s review of the show – click HERE for John Mulvey’s Wild Mercury Sound Blog.

The show broadcast live on BBC Radio 2 last night, saw R.E.M. in a very chatty mood.

Guitarist Peter Buck revealed that prior to the show he had been arguing with John Paul Jones about what year he had performed at the Albert Hall with Led Zeppelin.

Buck said: “He told me 1970 but I told him 1969 – I’ve got the bootleg.”

To see UNCUT’s review of the show – click HERE for John Mulvey’s Wild Mercury Sound Blog.

As previously reported, the band are also playing an intimate iTunes Live Session at London’s Apple Store on Regents Street this Wednesday (March 26).

R.E.M. then return to the UK for some Summer stadium dates at the following places:

Manchester Lancashire County Cricket Club (August 24)

London Twickenham Stadium (30)

R.E.M.’s ICA show full set was:

‘Living Well Is The Best Revenge’

‘Accelerate’

‘Drive’

‘Man Sized Wreath’

‘Electrolite’

‘Houston’

‘Hollow Man’

‘Supernatural Superserious’

‘Final Straw’

‘Losing My Religion’

‘The Great Beyond’

‘I’m Gonna DJ’

‘Horse To Water’

‘Imitation Of Life’

‘Until The Day Is Done’

‘Man On The Moon’

Pic credit: Alastair Grant/ AP Photos