19th June:

Berlin. Berlin is a different city these days. Sean and Gordon (our soundman) and I are taken over to Oranienburgerstrasse in the former eastern part of the city. It’s just like the East Village, but Berlin always did remind me of New York, the same problems with gentrification and racism and lovely museums and burnt-out buildings and stuff. We run into Sterling Morrison at a bar called Obst and Gemuse (Fruit and Vegetables), and all go to the Knaack Club where kids are dancing to Deep Purple on one floor, and techno on another. We stay till about 4:00 a.m. I ask all the boring fan questions which Sterling is kind enough to answer. On the way back the cab driver is listening to the radio – it’s the Velvet Underground, a bootleg live version of “Beginning to See the Light” from Texas 1969, followed by another bootleg of “Sister Ray.” I feel funny.
In April 1993 Luna were invited to open for The Velvet Underground on their reunion tour around Europe. Dean Wareham kept a diary of the tour which was published in the November 1993 issue of Alternative Press, I’ve just lifted that article and chopped it up into days and will post it here over the coming days – all without permission – if anyone objects give me a shout.

13th June:
There’s a live Elvis concert on TV this morning, from about 1972 I guess. James Burton on Telecaster – what a guitar player. In the hotel lobby I hear a Czech version of “Three Kinds of Lonely” by Lee Hazlewood. James Burton plays on the original version of that too. It’s all getting very strange indeed.

Prague is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. Tonight’s show is at a theater in the former Cultural Palace of the Communist Party. Sold out again (as it has been every night). A historic show, but a bit quiet. The VU get the usual standing ovations and are off to Vaclav Havel’s place for a party. Sean and Justin go to the Hotel Casino and lose all their per diems.

We’re on vacation for the next six days. Stanley heads off to Amsterdam with the tour manager, the rest of us head for Paris via the night-train.

In April 1993 Luna were invited to open for The Velvet Underground on their reunion tour around Europe. Dean Wareham kept a diary of the tour which was published in the November 1993 issue of Alternative Press, I’ve just lifted that article and chopped it up into days and will post it here over the coming days – all without permission – if anyone objects give me a shout.

12th June:
The train trip to Prague. The food car ist kaputt. We buy some horrible Bratwurst and stale chocolate at the Dresden train station. At the Czech border Sean and I are ordered off the train because we don’t have visas – “Go to Berlin and get a visa” “But it’s Saturday and I’m playing in Prague Sunday night.” We spend four hours at the train station and finally negotiate our way into the country. The trip from the border down to Prague is beautiful, as the train winds along next to the Elbe. We stay at a fancy Western-style hotel up on a hill. They have a little bowling alley in the hotel. We eat cabbage soup, pork chop and chicken breasts, and drink BudweiserBudvar. Things are better now.

In April 1993 Luna were invited to open for The Velvet Underground on their reunion tour around Europe. Dean Wareham kept a diary of the tour which was published in the November 1993 issue of Alternative Press, I’ve just lifted that article and chopped it up into days and will post it here over the coming days – all without permission – if anyone objects give me a shout.

June 11:
Laundry day. I feel sick. The tumble dryers aren’t working properly. I walk about Hamburg, pick up a copy of “Moonshot” by Buffy St. Marie, and am starting to feel feverish. We’re playing another arena, the Sporthalle, capacity 7,000 or so. The Velvets play an extra long set tonight, two and a half hours. I sleep for about three hours and wake up drenched with sweat but feeling better.

In April 1993 Luna were invited to open for The Velvet Underground on their reunion tour around Europe. Dean Wareham kept a diary of the tour which was published in the November 1993 issue of Alternative Press, I’ve just lifted that article and chopped it up into days and will post it here over the coming days – all without permission – if anyone objects give me a shout.

June 10:
We travel to Hamburg via train. I am chilling out listening to Mazzy Star and drinking Chokomel. Chokomel all around. Sean doesn’t look too good today. That night we walk the infamous Herbertstrasse, then go to the Docks to see Alex Chilton but he has played already. Instead we see the Country Rockers from Memphis, TN. The drummer is about 65 years old and looks like he’s about to fall off his drum throne. He plays real slow.

In April 1993 Luna were invited to open for The Velvet Underground on their reunion tour around Europe. Dean Wareham kept a diary of the tour which was published in the November 1993 issue of Alternative Press, I’ve just lifted that article and chopped it up into days and will post it here over the coming days – all without permission – if anyone objects give me a shout.

June 9:
Rotterdam, the Ahoy, capacity 10,600. A lot of people at this show, mostly Dutch people I think. Our show goes over very well. It’s too hot to sleep in the damn hotel rooms.

In April 1993 Luna were invited to open for The Velvet Underground on their reunion tour around Europe. Dean Wareham kept a diary of the tour which was published in the November 1993 issue of Alternative Press, I’ve just lifted that article and chopped it up into days and will post it here over the coming days – all without permission – if anyone objects give me a shout.

June 8:
The Paradiso, Amsterdam. Rumors that Luna will not be able to fit on stage turn out to be false. This is the smallest show on the tour with a capacity of 1200 and no air-conditioning, and there’s a heatwave here in Holland. We have a great show – the heat makes us sweat and look like we’re really rocking even though we’re standing still.

I watch the Velvets’ show from the balcony, right on the side of the stage. I’m very lucky I know. Lou is wearing a white cotton headband, and keeps pouring ice over his head. The highlight of the set is “I’m Sticking With You” – when Moe goes back to the drum kit after singing, I get that special feeling.

We briefly attend the after-show party. Lou exits via boat. We go to the Bob Marley Coffeeshop and eat space-cake. I find myself talking loudly about how Haile Selassie is a murderer, and then notice that people are looking at me.

In April 1993 Luna were invited to open for The Velvet Underground on their reunion tour around Europe. Dean Wareham kept a diary of the tour which was published in the November 1993 issue of Alternative Press, I’ve just lifted that article and chopped it up into days and will post it here over the coming days – all without permission – if anyone objects give me a shout.