John Cale

Art-rock’s underground hero, John Cale helped revolutionise pop music in the late 1960s in The Velvet Underground, where he wrought sonic havoc on the songs of Lou Reed with his droning viola and uncompromising aesthetics.

Cale went on to produce dozens of albums by influential artists, most notably proto-punk classic debuts by Patti Smith, The Stooges and The Modern Lovers.

For his current tour, the Welsh-born rocker’s trio will perform new work while revisiting Cale’s storied solo catalogue including cuts from 1973’s Paris 1919 to collaborations with his fellow Velvet Underground alumna, Nico, while garish movies blitz behind.

Cale’s latest album, 2024’s POPtical Illusion received 4-star reviews in The Guardian, The Wire and Rolling Stone who opined: “Another gem... POPtical Illusion is full of grim songs about a planet in flames, yet it’s full of playful energy, blending synths and guitars with electronic beats from an elder hip-hop fiend.”

Cale’s recent London’s Royal Festival Hall show was given a rapturous 4-star review in The Telegraph. This is one not to miss.