Definitive REM tribute band Stipe will be playing a rare Midlands gig at JB's in Dudley this week.

The band - named after REM's charismatic singer - will be performing at the Castle Hill club tomorrow (Friday October 15).

Featuring Kingswinford drummer Nick Peters, the band has more than 45 REM songs in its repertoire, and the list includes REM's new single Leaving New York, which they started learning a month before it was released on September 27 this year.

Founded by frontman Rick Southern (of Midlands REM tribute Monster), Stipe started out gigging in the north of England and Scotland.

It was with Monster that Rick, from Cheshire, met Wolverhampton-based keyboard player Pete Nichols.

Bass player Tony Williams from Cheshire, lead guitarist Paul Tonge from Manchester and Kingswinford drummer Nick Peters later completed the line-up.

The band has toured all over the UK, playing gigs from Cornwall to Aberdeen, including outdoor festivals.

In the coming months, the band plans to release a self-penned single called (Need to) Breathe, written in the style of REM.

It will initially be distributed free of charge to promote the band, via the internet and at gigs.

For more band details check out www.stipe.co.uk