Which Athens restaurant slogan inspired the title of R.E.M.'s album 'Automatic for the People'?

The Athens restaurant slogan that inspired R.E.M.’s album title was “Automatic for the People.”

The phrase belonged to Weaver D’s Delicious Fine Foods, a soul-food restaurant in Athens, Georgia. Owner Dexter Weaver used “Automatic!” as a cheerful response to customers, effectively meaning that their request or order was taken care of.

R.E.M. were closely connected to Athens’ local music and restaurant culture. Michael Stipe asked Weaver for permission to use the phrase, and the band adopted the slightly longer wording as the title of its eighth studio album, released in 1992.

A common mix-up concerns the cover image. The star-shaped object on the album cover was photographed at a Miami motel and was not a sign from Weaver D’s. The restaurant’s slogan, rather than the cover photograph, supplied the title.