The photograph on the front cover of the R.E.M. classic album Automatic For The People, shows a greyed-out photograph of a star ornament.
The “Star” shown in the photo was part of the sign for the Sinbad Motel in Miami, Florida. The motel is near Criteria Studios, where R.E.M. recorded most of the album. Here is a photo of the now famous neon “Star” that sat atop the motel.
The motel is still there at 6150 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Florida but the star is not as it was damaged in a hurricane. The slanted support where the neon star was attached is still there on the roof.
Click below for the google street view of 6150 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Florida.
The album cover was taken in Miami but the album title “Automatic For The People” comes from the sign of Weaver D’s Delicious Fine Foods in R.E.M.s hometown of Athens, Georgia. Check it out…
Just curious, how is it proven that he listened to Everybody hurts a lot at that time? Fascinating. Love your page.