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Deep Dive: Athens, GA Inside/Out (1987)

Film Lens

Athens, GA Inside/Out
Athens, GA: Inside/Out is a documentary that captures the music scene in Athens, Georgia during the mid-1980s. Directed by Tony Gayton, the film features interviews and concert footage from notable bands such as R.E.M., Pylon, and The B-52s, alongside lesser-known acts like Flat Duo Jets and Love Tractor. The film's cinematography, led by James Herbert, focuses on visually interesting locations where these bands performed, including the Seney–Stovall Chapel and the Uptown Lounge. The documentary premiered on November 30, 1986, at Buckhead Cinema and Drafthouse in Atlanta, followed by a limited theatrical release in 1987. It was later featured on MTV's The Cutting Edge, further cementing its place in music history. The film's soundtrack, released by I.R.S. Records, included tracks that reached the college radio charts, showcasing the impact of the Athens music scene.

Why Watch

  • •See R.E.M. perform at iconic local venues.
  • •Meet local personalities like Walter Rittenberg.
  • •Find out about the Athens music scene's influence.

Did You Know

•The film premiered on November 30, 1986, at Buckhead Cinema.
•R.E.M. performed two songs at the Seney–Stovall Chapel in Athens.
•The soundtrack reached number two on college radio charts.
•The documentary features interviews with 10 different bands from Athens.

Perfect For

Music history enthusiastsFans of R.E.M.Documentary lovers