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Live in Italy

by Lou Reed

Released: January 06, 1984

Rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Cult Following.

The Album

"Live in Italy" is a live album by American rock artist Lou Reed. 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.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

It includes tracks from the albums "Legendary Hearts"…

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…

The album showcases Reed's capacity to create an immersive live experience, bringing raw power and palpable energy to his performance.

Released in 1984, this concert took place in…

Released in 1984, this concert took place in Verona, Italy.

The backing band consists of guitarist Robert Quine…

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…

Their combined efforts make this album a definitive record of Lou Reed's live performance prowess.

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Explore the Album

Lou Reed - Live in Italy

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Then

Reception

Despite initial mixed reviews, the album has stood the test of time and remains an enduring presentation of Lou Reed's vast musical legacy.

Now

Legacy

Despite initial mixed reviews, the album has stood the test of time and remains an enduring presentation of Lou Reed's vast musical legacy.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"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.