The Velvet Underground

On January 29, 1972, The Velvet Underground performed at the Bataclan in Paris, showcasing post-Lou Reed's departure from the band's most commercially successful phase. Before this live recording, the band had released their eponymous album in 1969, which marked a new direction after the departure of founding member John Cale. However, at this point in their career, they were working on "Loaded," which was set to be released in late 1970, a contrasting effort characterized by a more rock-oriented sound. The performance of "Berlin" during this show highlights the band's experimental nature, displaying Reed's storytelling prowess within darker themes. Notably, the "Berlin" album itself would be released later in 1973, emphasizing the artistic risks Reed was willing to take, both during live performances and in studio recordings, as he explored more introspective and dramatic themes.

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