A song performed by the legendary group The Velvet Underground is considered by fans to be a “testament to their power”.
The song was performed as a dedication to Sterling Morrison, who had died a year before the group’s entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Moe Tucker would release her rendition of the song on a compilation album, I Feel So Far Away. This would be the final performance of The Velvet Underground, and fans believe it’s a staggering send-off to the group. Some praised the performance of new material as a way of sending off the band and Morrison, while others believed this presents a “real testament to their power” as a group. Tucker, Lou Reed, and John Cale would write the song together just a few days before the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performance, according to the Perfect Day songwriter. The song had been written as a tribute to Morrison.
Fans believe such a tribute is clear in this final performance, and believe the remaining band members did their former bandmate justice. An upload of their performance to YouTube has been hailed by fans, with many suggesting it’s a staggering send-off to one of the greatest bands of all time.
One fan wrote: “The last performance from The Velvet Underground, I think, is a real testament to their power. They knew it was going to be their last time together as band and they didn’t bring out a hit, they brought out an all new composition, and one that isn’t quite like anything they’d made before.”
Another added: “The perfect way to complete a band. Inducted and then play a brand new song written for their fallen bandmate.” A third shared: “Such a wonderful tribute to a fallen friend. What a shame the ’93 reunion went up in smoke. Thanks, Lou. Could have been so much more. What amazing artistic talent, those four.”
It’s a staggering performance too, even with a few hiccups from the trio. One person wrote: “Amazing. Probably the only group to ever write a new song for their induction. This captures the spirit of the band perfectly.”
Another suggested: “Lou smiled after John flubbed the words. He let him off the hook, though John looked pissed with himself later on that he’d stuffed up. What a band! Still capable of tremendous power and touching poignancy in their very last breath. Simply in a class of their own with the rest a mile behind. Always were.”
A third added: “In grand Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tradition, they flubbed the sound on Tucker’s vocals during a touching and significant moment.” You can watch The Velvet Underground perform Last Night I Said Goodbye to My Friend below.
