Lou Reed

In December 1973, Lou Reed was in the midst of a transformative phase in his solo career following the dissolution of The Velvet Underground. His 1972 album, *Transformer,* had widely boosted his recognition, primarily bolstered by the single "Walk on the Wild Side," which showcased his unique blend of rock and avant-garde sensibilities. By the time of the live recording on December 21, 1973, at Howard Stein's Academy in New York, Reed was touring and performing tracks from his upcoming album, *Berlin,* which would be released in 1973. The year was pivotal as it saw Reed further exploring darker themes and intricate narratives in his music, setting the stage for *Berlin's* theatrical concept. Interestingly, the performance of "Sweet Jane," a song originally from The Velvet Underground's catalog, signifies Reed's ongoing connection to his past while asserting his evolving artistic identity, making it a notable moment in his live repertoire during this prolific era.

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