Lollapalooza is over. And unfortunately, I’m not going to be receiving a paycheck from being a part of it. Last week, after being on hold for months for the festival that I’ve worked on for the past two years, I was told that the client was bringing in their own crew and gear in order to save money. Which is a shame because working the festival allowed me the opportunity to get paid for taking in a festival that cost the general concertgoer $240.
Of the over 130 artists and band scheduled to play the festival, I was the most interested in the legendary Lou Reed who was performing on the last night. I was first introduced to the music of Mr. Reed when I was a freshman in high school, and I purchased The Best of The Velvet Underground: Words and Music of Lou Reed through BMG (remember them?). While that collection certainly initiated the spark, it was the debut The Velvet Underground and Nico that had the most effect on me, especially when it came to discovering new music as I traced the group’s influence on others throughout the years. Apparently, the album also had a strong impact on Beck who has been covering the entire album on his website, adding a new song each week (currently, he’s on “There She Goes Again”).
After The Velvet Underground (which I currently own twelve releases), it was time to discover what the solo Reed had to offer. Apparently, a lot. Over a career that started in 72 and has produced over 20 studio albums and numerous live releases, Reed has covered a lot of ground, creating a career that is constantly changing directions as well as its sound. If your interest lies beyond the greatest hit package, I recommend the box set Between Thought and Expression. Which makes the idea of Reed solo show a bit daunting. I mean where do you even begin?
Well, last night I hopped the train and headed down to Grant Park to find out. Of course, I wasn’t allowed on the main grounds without a ticket, but a small crowd had gathered behind the gates to get a free listen. Check out our view from the first photo on this post. After taking the stage nearly twenty minutes late (what’s he a rap star?), Reed started off with the crowd pleasing, “Sweet Jane”. He then followed this with “Senselessly Cruel” (Rock and Roll Heart) and “Dirty Blvd” (New York) and a few numbers off his last studio album (Ecstasy). After a long, screeching freak out from the band, Reed ended the show with the classics, “I’m Waiting for the Man,” and “Walk on the Wild Side”. The best part of the show, other than to say that I have “attended” a Lou Reed concert, was Reed’s powerful touring band, especially the saxophonist who was really belting it out. Sure, I never got to see Lou but I certainly heard him.
Folks listening to Lou Reed outside Lollapalooza.
As I was leaving, I was thinking how perfect it was that Reed was stationed on the far north stage, since he was right across the street from the Modern Wing of the Art Institute, and the works of Andy Warhol. The cover of The Velvet Underground and Nico is, in fact, a Warhol painting.
Listening across the street as Lou Reed opens up his show with the classic “Sweet Jane”. And believe me, it sounded better than what the mics from my digital still camera could pick up.