Lou Reed closes MIF

Singer teams up with wife on stage

19 July 2009 - Lou Reed took to the stage last night with his wife, the performance artist, Laurie Anderson. Playing together for the first time ever in the UK.

The pair showcased new work The Yellow Pony and other songs at the Palace Theatre in Manchester. But as well as it being a first, it was also a last, as the performance was the finale of the Manchester International festival.

Reed is no stranger to the festival having premiered the UK stage version of his seminal album Berlin there just two years ago.

Last night Reed and Anderson promised an intimate performance, and with the Palace Theatre holding under 2,000, that’s exactly what it was. Intimate and minimal. The husband and wife team were joined on stage only by a keyboard player. Reed also played keyboard and a variety of different guitars whilst Anderson put her incredible violin skills to stunning effect.

“I’m usually not that keen on Laurie Anderson, but I was actually blown away tonight, she was fabulous... I’m converted”
Audience member

Lou Reed once said “One of my rules is: Never listen to your old stuff”, and this is something that would not have troubled him last night. Anyone attending expecting to hear Walk On The Wild Side or Perfect Day would have been disappointed. Husband and wife gave their back catalogues a miss and played a set made up of songs, poetry and stories.

The stories, told by Anderson, were about love, life and her memories of childhood. These tales were surreal, moving and often funny, adding a sometimes, much needed light relief. The music skipped from being upbeat, almost melodic, to atmospheric, dark and intense. On occasions slightly disturbing. One fan described it as "cutting edge".

It was certainly experimental, and perhaps, in places, a little long winded. During a version of the 1969 Velvet Underground song, Pale Blue Eyes, the couple sang "linger on.. linger on.. linger on".  And at times, it certainly seemed to.

The evening managed to provoke different reactions from the crowd. One disgruntled fan simply said "I didn’t particularly enjoy it" and there were a few people that upped and left mid set.

But, the majority of the fans enjoyed the evening, even those that were perhaps expecting something different.

One member of the audience told BBC 6 Music,
"I’m usually not that keen on Laurie Anderson, but I was actually blown away tonight, she was fabulous... I’m converted"

Another said, "not exactly what I was expecting, not entirely my cup of tea, but that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it."

Overall the gig seemed to be a success. The majority of the audience went away smiling. This is more than can be said for Lou Reed, who didn’t appear to crack a smile all evening.

Matt White