History of What's the Frequency, Kenneth? in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 19, 2026

"What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" is a song by R.E.M. from their 1994 album Monster. The title references a 1986 incident where journalist Dan Rather was attacked in New York City. The assailants repeatedly asked, "Kenneth, what is the frequency?" The song captures the confusion and paranoia surrounding the event, making it a memorable piece of 90s alternative rock.

1986: Dan Rather Attacked

In 1986, journalist Dan Rather was attacked in New York City by assailants who repeated, "Kenneth, what is the frequency?". This incident inspired the song's title.

1988: 'In View: The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003' DVD

The DVD companion to In Time, entitled In View: The Best of R.E.M. 1988–2003 (featuring the promotional videos to most of the songs from In Time), included the music video to "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" spanning from 1988.

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November 19, 1992: Benefit Performance at 40 Watt Club

On November 19, 1992, R.E.M. recorded live versions of "Monty Got a Raw Deal", "Everybody Hurts", and "Man on the Moon" at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Georgia. The performance was a benefit for Greenpeace and was recorded in a solar-powered mobile studio.

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1992: Peter Care Directs Previous Music Videos

In 1992, Peter Care had previously directed R.E.M.'s music videos for "Drive" and "Man on the Moon".

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August 1993: Work Begins on Monster

In August 1993, R.E.M. started working on their album 'Monster', which included the song "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?".

August 1994: Music Video Filmed

In August 1994, the music video for "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" was filmed in Hollywood, California. Peter Care, who previously worked with the band, directed the video, which features the band playing under flashing lights. Peter Buck played Kurt Cobain's Jag-Stang guitar in the video.

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September 5, 1994: "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" Released as a Single

On September 5, 1994, Warner Bros. Records released "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" as the first single from the album 'Monster'. The song reached number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. It also achieved international success, reaching number one in Iceland for four weeks.

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November 12, 1994: Live Television Debut on Saturday Night Live

On November 12, 1994, R.E.M. made their live television debut of "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" on Saturday Night Live at NBC Studios in New York City. The band performed "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?", "Bang and Blame", and "I Don't Sleep, I Dream".

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1994: Release of 'Monster' Album

In 1994, R.E.M. released their ninth studio album, 'Monster,' which featured the song "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?".

June 22, 1995: Dan Rather Joins Soundcheck Performance

On June 22, 1995, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Dan Rather accompanied R.E.M. during a soundcheck performance of "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?".

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1995: New Look Featured in Music Video

In 1995, the music video of What's the Frequency, Kenneth? gave wide exposure to singer Stipe's shaven head and Mike Mills' new look (long-hair and the use of Nudie suits), which were later prominent on the Monster world tour.

2003: "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" Included on 'In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003'

In 2003, "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" was included on R.E.M.'s compilation album 'In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988–2003'.

2003: Music Video Included on 'In View: The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003' DVD

In 2003, the music video for "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" was included on the DVD companion to 'In Time', entitled 'In View: The Best of R.E.M. 1988–2003'.

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