March 2, 2014, would have marked Lou Reed’s 72nd birthday, and on Saturday, March 1, the Canadian music industry joined Kevin Hearn, of Barenaked Ladies fame, in tribute to Reed, his work and influence.
Over the past several years, Hearn was Reed’s musical director and friend. His journey to land this coveted role as Reed’s right-hand man is a long and personal one. To say that Reed had an impact on Hearn’s life would be an understatement.
Beyond Hearn’s relationship with Reed, many other Canadian musicians were touched and influenced by the late singer's music. On March 1, they came in droves to CBC's Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto to sing his songs.
'Walk on the Wild Side' by Kevin Hearn and friends
"The Original Wrapper" by Buck 65 and Ed Robertson
"Perfect Day" by Measha Brueggergosman
"Sweet Jane" by Andy Kim
"What's Good" by Kevin Drew
Have you ever gotten the feeling that Gord Downie spent a lot of time as a child analyzing rock stars? It’s the only way to explain his supernatural stage presence. Downie chose to perform “How Do You Think It Feels” from the Berlin album, which was produced by fellow Canadian Bob Ezrin.
"How Do You Think It Feels" by Gord Downie
When you’re introduced to Reed, it is most likely going to be a life-changing moment. For Emily Haines and Jimmy Shaw, that was without a doubt true. Hearn introduced the duo to Reed at a Neil Young tribute in Vancouver, and before long Reed was guesting on a Metric album. They recorded with Reed at Electric Lady in New York, the studio that Jimi Hendrix built. They would later sing together at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Haines and Shaw recreate that night for us with their performance of “Pale Blue Eyes.”
"Pale Blue Eyes" by Emily Haines and Jimmy Shaw
Chris Hadfield and Hearn had collaborated before this night, when they recorded the “I.S.S.” song for CBC Music and Music Monday. In true astronaut style, Hadfield was also the first musician to be prepared enough to send over a precise chord chart and lyric sheet to his chosen song, “Satellite of Love.”
"Satellite Of Love" by Chris Hadfield
I had the pleasure of spending the night of the concert in the Glenn Gould Studio control room with Prakash John, who was Lou Reed’s bass player at the height of his success and excess in the mid-’1970s. To say that John has seen it all would be an understatement. When Hawksley Workman hit the stage, John’s eyes lit up; he was mesmerized. He leaned over and whispered in my ear, “Now Lou would have liked this guy.” Watch Workman completely tear up the stage of Glenn Gould Studio with his version of one of Lou Reed’s biggest hits, “Dirty Boulevard.”
"Dirty Boulevard" by Hawksley Workman
Check back starting on May 21 for more videos to be added daily!
To read a personal essay from Kevin Hearn on his close friendship with the late Lou Reed, download the CBC Music Magazine.