CityLife

I have just seen the show reviewed above in Helsinki, Finland, and pity anyone who paid the full whack for this nonsense (I had the privilege of a press ticket). If this had been anyone else but Lou Reed, his performance would have been scathingly condemned, quite rightly, as crap songs sung by a man with a crap voice playing crap guitar. His wife was more interesting at times but generally too dull to be inspiring. The sycophantic reaction of the crowd was extraordinary in its naive generosity. I liked the Velvet Underground. I liked Transformer. This was a case of the mighty having fallen.<br />

I didnt find it "enthralling". I found it completely boring to be honest, and left way before the end. Very very disappointing.<br />

I don't know where the reviewer was sitting. But unless he was sitting at extreme stage right, there was no point at which Lou was sitting with his back to him.<br /> <br /> As for Lou emailing him to berate shody journalism, well he might have a point. But I suspect he has better things to do with his time.<br /> <br /> This show was an ensemble piece, where two great musicians and performers found new interpretations of existing songs and explored new materials through the mediation of an empathetic and talented young musician. Nothing cynical or weary here, as seems to be implied. Unless that lies in the eye of the beholder, scanning over his press pack.<br />