All the Way to Reno (You're Gonna Be a Star)


"All the Way to Reno " is a song by R.E.M., from the band's 12th album Reveal, the second single from that album. According to Peter Buck's sleevenotes to , the R.E.M. best-of on which this song appears, the song describes someone who believes they can get famous if they go to Reno. The working title of the song was "Jimmy Webb on Mars," which, according to Buck's notes, was a "sick tribute to a songwriter who we all admire." The single did not chart on the US Billboard Hot 100, but it did reach number 24 on the UK Singles Chart, number 31 in Italy, and number 34 in Ireland.
The B-side live performances were recorded at the South Africa Freedom Day concert in Trafalgar Square, London, which was held in honour of South African President Nelson Mandela. The event marked the 7th anniversary of democracy in South Africa.

Music video

The song's video was shot at Bishop Ford Central Catholic High School in the Prospect Park area of Brooklyn, New York. It was directed by Michael Moore and filmed by four students from the host and other local schools: Chris, 17; Steve, 17; Andy, 18; Charlotte, 13; Roger, 18; and Juan, 17. In the video, Peter Buck and Mike Mills can be seen entering the Career Guidance office with their respective instruments in hand, only to leave armed with nothing more than a dustpan and brush. Bertis Downs makes an appearance as the school's announcer, only to have his microphone commandeered by Michael Stipe.

Track listings

UK CD
  1. "All the Way to Reno " – 4:44
  2. "Yellow River" – 2:36
  3. "Imitation of Life" – 3:541
  4. "Imitation of Life" 1
UK DVD
  1. "All the Way to Reno "
  2. "Yellow River" – 2:36
  3. "165 Hillcrest" – 1:34
German CD
  1. "All the Way to Reno " – 4:44
  2. "165 Hillcrest" – 1:34
1 Recorded at Trafalgar Square, London, England; April 29, 2001.

Charts