Welsh avant gardist John Cale has ruled out a possible re-union from legendary New York group The Velvet Underground.
More than forty years on from the release of their debut album, The Velvet Underground remain a hugely influential rock group. Emerging from Andy Warhol’s Factory the group’s violent decadence ran at odds with their hippy peers.
Celebrated by early punks, The Velvet Underground are also a vital component for indie pop. Simply put: ain’t no Velvet Underground then ain’t no Vivian Girls.
A recent debate on rock music saw three members of the band share a stage for the first time since 1992, sparking rumours of a re-union. However founding member John Cale has ruled out any intentions of performing with the band again.
“It’s not something that I can see happening on the basis of the past,” he explained. “Anyone who wants to reform The Velvet Underground for a series of concerts, to make some money, I understand that, but you can’t do that.”
Speaking to the BBC the Welsh musician explained that since original guitarist Sterling Morrison had died there would be no point in continuing with the group.
“We don’t have Sterling (Morrison) any more. If I said that was something I was intrigued by, people would think I was cynical.”
John Cale is in the country to perform his classic album ‘Paris 1919’ at London’s South Bank. Continuing, the Welsh musician revealed that he rarely keeps in touch with the remaining members of the group.
“I haven’t spoken to Lou (Reed) in a long time, but we’re in touch because of business,” he explained. “There’s no communal effort to enjoy each other’s company any more.”
