Berlin: 2007 Tour Edition: 
Rating: 10/10+
Lou Reed took a walk on the dark side for his UK premier of his masterpiece, Berlin.
Enigmatic Reed marshaled his troupes – a children’s choir, small wind-string
ensemble and band (including Berlin’s original guitarist Steve Hunter) through
a mesmerizing 90-minute set.
There was a peculiar air of formality and great sense of occasion for his
highly anticipated and long overdue return to these shores. It was a truly
rare appearance for the iconic ex-Velvet Underground frontman, and one well
worth waiting for.
Flanked by tasteful set and projected images, the cult icon astonished his
loyal fans with one of the greatest gigs ever. Yes, ever. Twenty minutes late,
clad in jeans and red t-shirt, he casually graced the stage to a wall of cheers
and whistles as he silently took centre stage. Not a word spoken until the end
of the main set, the star looked somewhat hesitant. People could hardly believe
their eyes that he was actually here. I certainly couldn’t.
The mean and moody Berlin, a dramatic story about a drug fuelled couple falling
apart, was given new life as it ran in non-chronological order beginning with
the kids dressed in blue gowns singing the Sad Song chorus, that stylistically
set the scene.
From the off, there was a gripping atmosphere, which contrasted sharply with
the tension under which the album was recorded in London back in the early '70s.
Next, the spotlight fell on Reed as he opened with "In Berlin, by the wall".
This pseudo-classical song was segued by a thumping intro to Lady Day
followed by sumptuous choral back-up and blistering solos by Hunter.
As the military footage rolled behind to introduce Men Of Good Fortune,
Reed changed guitar, one of several on the night.
The complex Oh, Jim saw a flourish of band excitement bringing shouts
of "Come on Steve" and "Come on Kate" (back-up singer) as he
egged-on their dazzling individual talents into the crescendo. A classically
rooted Interlude allowed Reed to do, for the first time, a sublime and
understated solo.
Reprising Caroline, 2, it became the most breathtaking piece of the
night, with Reed accentuating each painful lyric well beyond the original
version. Berlin’s most harrowing and powerful sequence came by way of The
Kids with images rolling behind the band as it led to the screaming wails
of the frantic child.
In sharp contrast, The Bed proved to be the most
disturbing of all, as the tragic suicide of Caroline unfolded. The bed is
where their children were conceived, and it’s also where she slashed her
wrists. Sad Song, again, was the stirring finale of a truly memorable
Berlin live.
"Thanks for letting us bring Berlin here", he said. "It’s a dream
to bring Berlin to life, in its full regalia."
As a bonus, we were treated to some faves – Sweet Jane, Satellite Of Love
and anthemic Walk On The Wild Side, predictably brought the house down.
One of the greatest moments in rock history, surely, and I can say 'I was
there.'
Incredible.
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Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.
