“(Don’t Go Back To) Rockville,” R.E.M. Sang in 1984

“(Don’t Go Back To) Rockville,” R.E.M. Sang in 1984

R.E.M. will go down in rock and roll history for their legendary hit songs. A popular favorite is “It’s the End of the World As We Know It.” When it plays, everyone in the car shouts the chorus and mumbles the rest. But while I was scrolling through a list of R.E.M’s music, I was surprised to find a lesser-known song featuring Montgomery County’s Rockville.

The song “(Don’t Go Back To) Rockville” was released in 1984 as a single and came from the band’s second album, “Reckoning.” The bass player Mike Mills’ inspiration came from his then girlfriend, Ingrid Schorr, leaving Athens, Ga. and moving back home to Rockville. The music takes on a country twang, noteably different from R.E.M.’s post-punk roots and their future sound.

Schorr spoke with Hermenaut in 2015 about her own account of what happened. She was in college at the time and had started dating Mills. “My once-good grades had given way to behavior that my parents were starting to get wind of, and they instructed me to come back home to Maryland for the summer. I didn’t want to go,” Schorr recounted.

“(Don’t Go Back To) Rockville” unfortunately didn’t make the top Billboard Hot 100 or the UK Singles Charts. And despite R.E.M’s warnings, we’ll keep going back to Rockville.

Recent Stories

Montgomery County Police are investigating an attempted sexual assault that occurred on Tuesday, April 23.

Montgomery County Police responded to a shooting on Wednesday, April 24, in Germantown.

The NOW Massage Opens in Bethesda

The NOW Massage, a growing franchise that describes itself as “disrupting the wellness space with high quality, affordable massage services in an inspired setting” is now open in Bethesda. The…

Montgomery Parks announces the first public, outdoor beach tennis court in Montgomery County located at Nike Missile Local Park in Gaithersburg. A new adjustable net system will allow the sand…

FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

×

Subscribe to our mailing list