Sterling Morrison

Memorable Live Performances: The Velvet Underground Reunion 1993

One of my all time favorite bands is The Velvet Underground. I’ve been enamored with them ever since I my mom for introduced me to them when I was seriously a really young kid. I’ll never forget hearing them for the first time and thinking this is totally different and really cool. Immediately I fell in love with songs like “White Light/White Heat,” “Venus In Furs,” “Sunday Morning,” I’m Waiting For The Man,” “Sweet Jane,” “Heroin,” and so many more. Through the years, I’ve delved quite deep into their catalog and found a treasure trove of demos, live versions, alternate versions and more. One of my favorite things is to find old live footage of them from their start in 1964 till their end in 1973. Some of the shows from that era are absolutely astonishing. Today though, I’d like to take a moment and recognize their reunion in 1993 which as of this year was 30 years ago. The classic lineup featuring Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison and Mo Tucker reunited for a brief European tour including a stop at Glastonbury. During these shows John Cale would sing the Nico parts live, as she passed away in 1988. Also at this time, and I’d have loved to have been there, the reunited Velvet Underground was hand selected to be the support act for 5 shows during U2’s Zoo TV tour. The performance that I’m sharing with you is taken from June 15-17 in Paris, France where the band performed a 3 night residency. The setlist featured many of the bands well known songs, really great choice in deep cuts as well as two new songs “Velvet Nursery Rhyme” and “Coyote.” Sadly though, not long after this tour, the relationship between Reed and Cale became contentious yet again and that was that. The Velvet Underground is not only one of the most influential bands of all time, they are (to me) one of the best bands ever. Take some time and get familiar with The Velvet Underground and you’ll hear and see why I make such a claim.

The Velvet Underground- Live 1993 (Classic Lineup Reunion):

https://youtube.com/watch?v=C_ExmXKFgMI%3Fsi%3DELfBFDuhDTrRPG7J

The Full 1993 Reunion Album:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=h-ZOfZfO3Qw%3Fsi%3DYZhx9idGfhc7ZeC4

Cover Song: Nirvana (The Velvet Underground)- Here She Comes Now

I keep finding myself going on these artist catalog deep dives and finding things I’ve forgotten about. I love when that happens. Recently in the past few days, I wound up going on a Nirvana deep dive. I’m not quite sure how I wound up here but, while going through all sorts of their songs, albums, demos, etc, I remembered that they did a cover of The Velvet Underground’s “Here She Comes Now.” When I listen back to the Nirvana version, it’s kind of interesting that at moments, Kurt really does sound like Lou Reed. The cover is a pretty solid and good version. As a huge fan of both The Velvet Underground and Lou Reed, I can get behind this version. Plus it gives me an excuse to take a break from my Nirvana deep dive and go listen to The Velvet Underground!

Nirvana (The Velvet Underground)- Here She Comes Now:

Nirvana- Here She Comes Now (Live 1991):

The Velvet Underground- Here She Comes Now (from the album White Light/White Heat):

Track One: The Velvet Underground- White Light/White Heat
The Velvet Underground White Light/White Heat | Classic Rock Review

The Velvet Underground is one of my Top 10 all time favorite bands. My mom got me into them when I was still a toddler. There’s something majestic about this band and what they create. Just when you think they are writing a “pop song” they flip the script and out comes something otherworldly. Lou Reed had one hell of a way of telling stories through songs. He was a profound writer and often doesn’t get the credit and respect he deserves. This song “White Light/White Heat” is also the title track of the same name. This song was released in January of 1968. Interestingly the song is about the sensations produced by intravenous injection of methamphetamines. “White Light/White Heat” was also a staple of the Velvet Underground’s live performances from 1967 on. The tune appears on numerous live bootleg albums, and the nearly nine-minute version included on the group’s posthumous 1969 Live double LP is one of the album’s centerpieces. This song holds such a candle with many artists, so much so that David Bowie even recorded a version of it. This track every time I hear it, I have to turn it up super loud and sing along! What a tremendous way to kickstart an album!

The Velvet Underground- White Light/White Heat:

David Bowie- White Light/White Heat: