Automatic Baby

Automatic Baby was an American-Irish rock supergroup briefly formed by members of the bands R.E.M. and U2. It was co-formed by Michael Stipe (lead vocals) and Mike Mills (guitar) from R.E.M., and Adam Clayton (bass guitar) and Larry Mullen, Jr. (percussion) from U2. The band's only performance was an acoustic version of "One" during an MTV concert for President Bill Clinton. Members of R.E.M. and U2 have been close friends since 1984, especially Stipe and Bono. The group's name comes from the first word in the title of R.E.M.'s Automatic for the People, and the last in U2's Achtung Baby.

Commercial availability

The sole Automatic Baby performance has been released on at least four commercial compilations. The first was the second edition of Atlanta radio station 99x's Live X CD series, released in 1995. The following year, Maryland alternative radio station WHFS released a compilation of performances from its Just Passin' Thru program, and included the track. Later in 1996, a UK compilation released by Island Records titled Childline included the track. Island Records released another benefit CD the following year in the U.S., titled Amazing Grace, which included the song. The radio station compilations were very limited, possibly as few as 10,000 copies each. The Island Records releases had a larger pressing. All four releases are currently out of print.