"Live in Italy" is a live album by American rock artist Lou Reed. Released in 1984, this concert took place in Verona, Italy. The album showcases the best of Lou Reed's music, chronicling his incredible contribution to the music industry. Featuring tracks from his solo career including classics like "Sweet Jane", "Rock 'n' Roll" and "Heroin", this performance also presents some of Reed's then-current work. It includes tracks from the albums "Legendary Hearts" and "New Sensations", adding a fresh, contemporary touch to the time-tested favorites among fans.
The album showcases Reed's capacity to create an immersive live experience, bringing raw power and palpable energy to his performance. The backing band consists of guitarist Robert Quine, bassist Fernando Saunders, and drummer Fred Maher, all artists celebrated for their propulsive, hard-hitting playing style. Their combined efforts make this album a definitive record of Lou Reed's live performance prowess. Notably, "Live in Italy" is the first Lou Reed album to feature a live version of "Heroin", a song written by Reed and originally made popular by Reed's former band, The Velvet Underground.
Overall, "Live in Italy" serves as a crucial entry in Lou Reed's discography, offering listeners a direct line into the atmospheric intensity of his live shows. The sonic force of Reed's guitar, coupled with the vehement support from his band, make for a deeply memorable rock 'n' roll experience. Despite initial mixed reviews, the album has stood the test of time and remains an enduring presentation of Lou Reed's vast musical legacy.
