On the second side of Lou Reed’s much-lauded concept album, Berlin, the sounds of small children crying can be heard, as a drug-addled dysfunctional family falls to pieces. If one listened carefully at the Marquee on Monday night, the sound of part-time Reed fans sobbing to themselves could be detected as they pondered the moment’s insanity that caused them to hand over their hard-earned cash for a evening of thoroughly sombre entertainment.
However, they should have known what to expect. Reed’s set was well publicised in advance – a rendition of his 1973 Berlin. album, complete with choir and orchestral backing. And fans of the album were not let down. A not particularly joyful tale, Berlin revolves around a couple whose drug addiction leads to their children being taken away before their eventual demise – quite the counterpoint to his other classic offering, Transformer.
Not one for too much banter, Reed sets about telling the tale with an accomplished bunch of musicians surrounding him: the set hit some notable heights during ‘Caroline Says (II)’ and ‘The Bed’. The drama and heartbreak of the story were conveyed brilliantly.
So, a large bow was taken and there was the anticipation that the run-in might consist of some choice material from his voluminous back catalogue, maybe even some Velvet Underground. Five songs later, the lights came on and it was all over. Yes, we got a tremendous version of ‘Satelite Of Love’, but it only got the appetite going. He finished perched on a stool, on his own, with an acoustic guitar – in truth, probably a fitting end to the night. But he has written so many great songs, and has so much to offer generally, it was hard not to feel just a little bit disappointed.