Bring on the heroin chic and pounding drums.
The Way Station in Prospect Heights will host a tribute to the late Lou Reed on March 5, celebrating what would have been his 72nd birthday.
“There are a lot of people who really love the Velvet Underground and Lou Reed, but what is even more important is the influence he had on so many bands,” said Way Station promoter James Coyle. “There is a saying that 1,000 people bought Velvet Underground’s first album and they all started bands, and it’s true.”
For the tribute, Coyle asked a gaggle of Way Station’s regular bands to participate. Then he set up a database and asked them to all sign up for specific songs, so that no tune would be repeated on the night. In all, seven bands and artists — All Night Chemists, Perp Walk, Prewar War Sale, Drum the Jaguar, Michael Pennacciho, Even Twice, and the Planes — will play a total of 26 Velvet Underground and Lou Reed numbers.
Featured songs will include “Venus in Furs,” “Satellite of Love,” and “Dirty Boulevard.”
Bass and drums duo Even Twice, which will play three songs, is no strangers to Lou Reed tribute shows — the band has already played three since the rock icon died in October.
“I was very influenced by Lou Reed songwriting-wise, and when I moved to New York City, it made even more sense,” said Even Twice drummer and vocalist Pat O’Shea. “Those songs are about surviving the city. I’m into bands and artists that write about personal experiences and take you there.”
Lou Reed Birthday Tribute at the Way Station [683 Washington Ave. between Prospect Place and St. Marks Avenue in Prospect Heights, (347) 627–4949, www.waystationbk.blogspot.com]. March 5 at 8 pm. Free.
