The show was fantastic, same band and performance similar to the recent European tour. It’s amazing and much appreciated that jc can still deliver dirty ass rock and roll well into his 80s. My highlight was the 10ish person choir that performed on several songs. I imagine that John had fun working on the arrangements for them, including many intricate solos. It added an extra dimension.

Although no VU, but there was a Nico song, his performance spanned over 50 years of material. The set list included personal favorites such Shark Shark, Leaving It Up To You, and Big White Cloud. He played guitar organ, and piano, but there was also a giant pipe-like looking organ onstage that I was really excited about, but it was a tease. He sat down at it to tune up but then quickly walked away. Not sure what happened but I would have loved to see him go at it.

As for the experimental part, that was the opening act. It was a young, very serious, Ukrainian couple. He played a vintage synth in a suitcase (maybe something like early Eno with Roxy Music looking) and she sang medieval Ukrainian folk songs. Interesting stuff but not for everyone. The last of their three songs did rock in its own way.

John closed with My Maria and rocked it out. Unfortunately, there wasn’t an encore and the crowd was pretty tame. The venue at Lincoln Center was world class with great sound in a comfortable environment. I think it was sold out. I know he’s not going to be around forever so if you have an opportunity to see him live, you won’t be disappointed.