Lou Reed lines up short US trek

[Refugee 7]

Lou Reed will knock off a brief US tour before heading to Europe this summer for a run of the live production celebrating the 35th anniversary of his "Berlin" album.

Reed, who will give the March 13 keynote speech at this year's SXSW Music Conference in Austin, TX, kicks off the five-city outing April 20 in Northampton, MA.

In June, Reed will take his "Berlin" stage show back to Europe for another round of dates. The live production--directed by Bob Ezrin, who produced the landmark 1973 album, with set direction by Oscar-nominated director Julian Schnabel--features Reed joined on stage by a variety of musicians, including his band, a string & horn section, and, on the upcoming stretch, the New London Children's Choir.

More information on the European shows is available at Reed's website.

Reed's most recent studio album, last year's ambient-themed "Hudson River Wind Meditations," is a departure from the singer/songwriter's usual rock fare. The solo album was self-produced by Reed, who also performed all the music on the set.

Last fall, Reed went into the studio to record a duet with Brandon Flowers, frontman of alt-rockers The Killers. The resulting song, "Tranquilize," is featured on the band's recent b-sides/rarities album, "Sawdust."

[Note: The following tour dates have been provided by artist and/or tour sources, who verify its accuracy as of the publication time of this story. Changes may occur before tickets go on sale. Check with official artist websites, ticketing sources and venues for late updates.]

April 2008

20 - Northampton, MA - Calvin Theater

25 - Norfolk, VA - The NorVa

28 - Durham, NC - Carolina Theatre

29 - Asheville, NC - Orange Peel

30 - Knoxville, TN - Tennessee Theatre

[agirl 0]

Darn, probably just as well that he's not coming out our way. This is just the summer of concerts.

[Echosoftom 3]

Now here's someone who could tour to creation and back. Never really been a fan of the man.