John Cale, legendary Velvet Underground co-founder, proves his enduring brilliance with a powerful, unpredictable set in Glasgow—blending new songs, rarities, and timeless classics.
John Cale is fucking cool, that much is clear, it’s obvious., John Cale is an exceptionally talented multi-instrumentalist, founding member of The Velvet Underground with an extensive celebrated solo back catalogue. You would forgive the man for wanting to rest at 83 years old. Instead, he continues to assert himself creatively releasing new albums and touring with no sign of slowing down. This evening, Cale and his band entertains with an unpredictable career spanning set; a mix of new songs, old songs and rarities.
“We’re here to calm your troubles, Glasgow” Cale intones in his deep gravelly Welsh baritone as he takes to the stage. Opener, Shark-Shark finds him on the guitar, fittingly it has Velvet Underground feel due to its distorted guitar riff. Immediately into the groove this is followed by the contemplative The Endless Plain of Fortune. Cale taking up the keyboard where he will remain for the rest of the set. Speaking of calming our troubles, a haunting version of Heartbreak Hotel is certainly not relaxing but it’s menace is immensely gripping, as Cale chillingly whispers the songs’ climax “I could die”.
Many of the songs are elongated such as Captain Commander, from last year’s POPtical Illusion album, fleshed out from the more electronic recorded version with fuzzed out guitars and primitive Moe Tucker esque drumming. The direct hit of the intense Out Your Window and the lavish keyboards of Setting Fires are highlights, which also showcase the strengths of Cale’s most recent records. The rarities come forth in the funky Rosegarden Funeral of Sores, a song only recorded on a previous live album, an airing of the recently written Long Way Out Of Pain. While the main set is closed by psychedelic stomp of Villa Albani from an album which is not available on streaming or CD.
In the ornate surroundings of the Glasgow Pavilion Theatre Cale is in fine voice throughout, still sounding fierce as if his voice is soaked in whiskey and tar. The band sound powerful while capable of adding their own flourishes to Cale’s compositions, with some lovely delicate backing vocals and the bow striking from the bass player adds intensity.
There is a couple of heartfelt tributes to Nico with a cover of her song Frozen Warnings and a lush outing of Cale’s own Moonstruck (Nico’s song). Encoring with the classic Velvet Underground song I’m Waiting For My Man and then leaving to the stage to a heroes reception, John Cale is fucking cool.
Words: Ben Lamont @badphotosfromgoodgigs
Pictures: Rose McEnroe@rosemcenroephoto