Michael Stipe released the first solo song of his 40-year career two weeks ago. Horns blast and electronics squelch on this unexpected single — Your Capricious Soul — as it winds its pretty way to a sudden ending. All the proceeds from it go to Extinction Rebellion. It was like hearing from an old friend. For fans who bought one or more of the 85m albums that his great American band, REM, sold during their startling 31-year existence, it was remarkable, appetite-whetting news.

Stipe was in London days after the song came out. He was in a fine mood. What eccentric company he is, so graceful that I barely hear him approach; so at ease that he spends our opening minutes loudly swilling water around