Laurie Anderson's Mind-Blowing Performance of 'Waiting for the Barbarians'

[@1shadowfx]

All this raving about Laurie, and not a word about the conductor, the ensemble, the venue. It takes a village.

[@pablomtube]

This is extraordinary. And Laurie Anderson is one of the greatest artists alive. Musician, singer, performer, writer, filmmaker, visual artist, photographer, inventor. We owe her so many things, but probably most of all a new way of using the voice, in all its power to seduce, enchant, move, and disturb. She's a giant of our time.

[@katherinehunter9526]

Agree 💯 🎉💃🏻🎶📺📷📽🎱

[@abraxasjinx5207]

Goddess of artistry and self knowledge.

[@kandacepearson868]

@@katherinehunter9526

[@kwimms]

This is leftist woke crappolli supputti. She's a barbarian of our time. Droll.

[@StarlightSynchronicity]

I agree. Laurie Anderson has powerfully inspired my art. I saw her for the first time in Manhattan, in the early 80s, performing “O Superman”. 🔻

[@drdalewisely]

Laurie Anderson, to this day, remains the only artist I've gotten on an airplane and flown across multiple state lines to see perform. I wouldn't know how to summarize what her work has meant to me.

[@ALLARTSTV]

We're with you. Plus, summarizing nearly 50 years of greatness would be impossible given the character limits. 🖤

[@spridgejuice]

they're American planes, made in America

[@johnhirtle4300]

And to think, when you were up there on that airplane, you, and everyone else on it could all have fit on the head of a pin.....

[@johnhirtle4300]

​@@spridgejuice😊

[@proseforpoets]

Wow, wait, what? But…..climate change! How many emissions did you create that Laurie has to take responsibility for? Gosh. You must owe tens of thousands of dollars to the Government for all of those Carbon Credits! ???

[@simonmoore7504]

How incredibly appropriate for this moment in history.

[@avidmisreader]

What she’s publically admitting they were always here (especially) it is

[@LambrettaFunk]

It's time to Let X Equal X. lol.

[@RegebroRepairs]

The New King will declare that he made the barbarians disappear.

[@chriswhite2151]

We have arrived......

[@NoahRobertGraves]

lol

[@Crabfather]

Theres something both unsettling and comforting about Laurie Anderson. A genius in her own right.

[@wgesselmann]

Always a pleasure to listen. One of the greatest performer and artist in our time. Love it so much.

[@kalayne6713]

Never heard of her. Wow! What a performance. Forgive me, I am Australian. And been a bit busy for the last 70 plus years. Now a fan.

[@eagle1ear]

Check out "Oh Superman." Also "The Ugly One With The Jewels." Great stuff!

[@ToddDouglasFox]

She was married to Lou Reed until his death. Both were well known before they were together.

[@wordtreat]

I did not know that. Thanks ​@@ToddDouglasFox

[@MrSonicAlchemy]

Been a fan since the 80s. Welcome. You have lots to catch up on! She's amazing!

[@tterrab999]

I would start with her album Big Science.

[@giselaripota-harhaus7949]

Extraordinary, went right into my bones! What a true, real piece of contemporary Art. Thank you 👏👏👏 receive abundant applause from me 👏👏👏

[@Dahrenhorst]

Laurie Anderson never disappoints.

[@johna6291]

Laurie has resurrected the chorus of Ancient Greek theatre. If only others could incorporate the same, we could have a new focal point for the voice of humanity

[@MisterRlGHT]

Humanity is unlikely to benefit from being constrained to one voice. Especially not one with a focal point.

[@rubyelixir]

The Gospel at Colonus from the 80s with Morgan Freeman is an excellent use of modern chorus

[@noritreacy3107]

Has she ever collaborated with Philip Glass? I could see that working

[@KatieUtting]

@@noritreacy3107yes

[@stelladonaconfredobutler9459]

exactly!!!!!!

[@susanjacquier5358]

Thank you for reminding us of the legend that is Laurie ❤

[@patriciaw.4878]

❤

[@ALLARTSTV]

We literally consider it an honor to do so!

[@donnah3575]

The whole emotional gamut is Laurie Anderson. Thank you for our most enriching performances in these times and onward.

[@ABGSutra]

1982. Little garage behind the old man’s house, made into a studio. We had a good stereo and almost nothing else. The LSD dripped into our brains as Laurie said, “Let X Equal X”. This is why I am who I am today.

[@ALLARTSTV]

Far out

[@hannerosekraft9188]

😂

[@furburgle]

It could be you. It's a sky-blue sky. Satellites are out tonight...

[@dennisyoung9500]

Huh? Looks like you had a bad trip and never recovered. Sorry that you ended up this way.

[@dougyoung221]

​@@dennisyoung9500you've obviously not gone anywhere.

[@mimiseton]

G R E A T. Laurie's age/experience is giving her a gravitas now that I love. This piece is chilling, -- both experimental and accessible -- a chilling invitation to greater awareness of what is happening right now in our country. She's an artist whose exploration of the infinite colors of WORDS in speech and song is a true gift to our culture. A creative giant whose voice has taken deeper and deeper root over the decades.

[@GinaVega-l4r]

WTAF did I stumble upon

[@valerieleveronicorral9467]

As her aging inspires our own. May we fall more deeply into loving.

[@valerieleveronicorral9467]

​@@GinaVega-l4rRight, art is timeless shared experience

[@achobrother7128]

what is happening now in our country that has not been happening in the last 3, 8 and 12yrs?? pls & thank u.

[@MJanovicable]

@@achobrother7128 A lot of division and a government that cannot accomplish much of anything, couldn't be clearer. We're all waiting for someone or something to be that event which will change things.

[@xposeur]

Early 80's, Laurie Anderson - O Superman, after all these years still a fierce talent. What a lovely find.

[@Ralesidebottomfilms]

This needs to be performed for young people, at punk shows, metal shows, to the future.

[@MsTyrie]

I agree. Dab some of her Slam and Beat vocal style into a funky rhythm and kids will get it.

[@angies.7689]

Laurie Anderson used to have these great specials air on TV from time to time in the 1980’s and I was enchanted each time, never missing one. Then they stopped and I am so pleased to see her once again all these years later, still performing magic. Great to see and hear her again!

[@Jhcolt]

Anderson’s performance, the chorus, the poetry, the church, everything about this experience awakens my soul and spirit. Thank you.

[@ALLARTSTV]

Glad to hear it. Thank you for watching.

[@stephenlane9401]

You choose a church the symbol of the Christian faith dwell there in

[@stelladonaconfredobutler9459]

@@stephenlane9401 it is a very special Episcopal church in manhattan built in 1824. at least a concert a week. many performances are done here and on christmas Eve a full chorus performs the complete Handel's Messiah. it is just brilliant. are u angry its a christian church?

[@andrewnorris2]

Beautiful. I had not heard anything recent by Laurie Anderson until I found this. She has lost none of her grace and inventiveness. This was a joy to discover! Thank you.

[@martin2289]

Agreed! Now going to delve into a few hours of her old albums. Didn't know until stumbling upon this how much I've missed them!

[@jpcolindesign517]

She is an artistic supergenius. She should be studied by every artist who is currently alive.

[@blueprairiedog]

Yet people don't know her. Thus is the state of womanhood.

[@esterhudson5104]

She didnt write the arrangements..otherwise its talking. c’mon.

[@sleethmitchell]

there are many geniuses putting forward this piece. not just laurie.

[@bettyprovost]

Her voice is so soothing, and her words are so savage. She brings us the harsh truth with softened edges. Listen! We need now more than ever to pay attention. When we can no longer stand the cacophony of the media voices, our artists paint the reality for us. Listen! We cannot sleep through this nightmare.

[@lazysingledaisybronwyn8105]

Yes. Yes. To all your words.

[@robertjary2470]

And yes ! I am reminded of Gil Scott Heron in some strange way. He had an urgent political conscience.... but smooth like only he could be. I have a book of his poetry and songs . It's extraordinary stuff when seen on the page as naked words

[@philippehirou]

Je connais Laurie Anderson depuis les années 1980. J'admire cette artiste. Son message est très clair et je crois qu'elle a malheureusement raison. Merci à elle de mettre son art au service de cette dénonciation.

[@mathildewilliams9608]

Même en Afrique du Sud!

[@prototropo]

Laurie Anderson is probably the only performer or artist today who can do justice to Cavafy's droll, brilliant poetry.

[@presentmoment9259]

As we ourselves are the barbarians. I so needed this, in this moment, wondering, what purpose has all this art making all these years, with the intention for the work to be medicine for the world, what good has it done, and is it relevant in this present moment. Thank you Onassis Foundation, thank you to each and every artist who brought this to life, and each and every witness that played a vital role in also bringing it to life.

[@paristen8556]

I have to point out that this closing line in LA's performance was NOT written by Cavafy, who would have despised such a ham-fisted addition. The real poem ends with 'And now, what will we do without barbarians? They were a kind of solution' (approximate English version). This leaves far more scope for further reflection in many directions, as opposed to trivial moralizing. I'd like to hope that LA herself didn't realize she was performing a travesty of the original.

[@derrickaf1]

The Barbarians are coming today... Fire performance and very real!!! Laurie Anderson is still an amazing voice...

[@djgizmoe]

HOLY SHIT. Mr. Heartbreak was the first album I ever bought. And she's still dropping my jaw after almost 40 years.

[@mathildewilliams9608]

Yessss!!!

[@marksaleski9890]

This is just astounding. Fun little story: I saw Laurie Anderson give a talk in Portsmouth, New Hampshire years ago. As she spoke, some images began to appear behind her on a screen. As time passed (just a few minutes), we began to think that..hey, these images are making no sense. Time went on a bit more…and the tension was unbearable. At some point (probably less than ten minutes but it felt like an hour) she happened to see motion at the edge of her peripheral vision. She turned and saw what was going on. Then she turned back to us and said: “Why didn’t you _tell_ me??!!” I mean, it’s Laurie Anderson. We were all trying to figure out what was going on!! Heh. Oops!

[@wwiw9607]

😂

[@Tyrell_Corp2019]

As a kid in the early 80's, I'll never forget seeing "O Superman" on cable TV. (Back when the promise of buying into cable was "commercial free"). Imagine "O Superman" being broadcast today in-between programs. Inconceivable. But fear not. Do not let evil win. Keep fighting no matter what. Love you Laurie! ❤

[@jenbloom6848]

She is otherworldly. Amazing.

[@patriciaw.4878]

Absolutely ❤

[@lazysingledaisybronwyn8105]

I feel she is at her absolute best here. May this performance be Timecapsuled for the universe that made this universe. It is so real and utterly prophetic. Is happening now ...

[@ThisClayJug]

I first witnessed Laurie back in the 1970s at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. How wonderful to continue hearing her fifty years later, still blowing our minds. A consummate artistic genius!

[@vickyp.3274]

Εκπληκτικη, μαγική Laurie Anderson..όπως και η μελοποίηση του Αλεξανδρινου Ποιητή...🙏😌💎✍️💎🎙💎♥️🌹🌬🌊🎶

[@MarlinForbes]

Laurie Anderson is a magician of the highest order. I was moved to tears by this performance. Thank you.

[@HappiestGnome]

Goosebumps and tears. The poem ends "Those people were a kind of solution," a sharp dry finish, feels like a different narrative voice. Beautiful how Laurie reworked the last lines with performance in mind, a vulnerable narrator, confronting shame and horror. And Ithaca, omg, thank you, Laurie. There are no words.

[@lazysingledaisybronwyn8105]

You take the words out of me. Exactly.

[@Alan-x2r8n]

Two great poems by a wonderful poet, and so aptly interpreted by Anderson in worrying times.

[@christieb2550]

"Itaca" and "The barbarians": Konstantinos Kavakis (1863- 1933).

[@KatieUtting]

This is unreal. I watched it 4 times in a row then again later and I saw her live last week. She is out of this world awesome and magical and helps me to feel intensely again - thank you for uploading.

[@21st-century-business]

Laurie mother of legends, breaker of fear, carrier of hopes, inspired oath keeper, musician of ages, writer of dreams, and creator of magnificence ~ we thank you

[@troygaspard6732]

Cavafy is getting the respect that he deserves. A wonderful reading.

[@ALLARTSTV]

There's so much more where this came from. Check out AllArts.org/Cavafy.

[@silvinacarrizo2726]

Mientras dejaron sangrar a Grecia entre USA y la UE???

[@mariettamozarella1930]

And than you of reminding us what a great poet Kavafis was. Waiting for the Barbarians and Ithaca are his best poems. He would greatly appreciate the musical transformation of his works

[@tfuhrer8863]

I've loved her work for so many years. Laurie Anderson is brilliant and this piece is chilling and so timely !

[@fastandcool]

Art is such nourishment and inspiration in troubling times. Thank you Laurie Anderson.

[@Urbangardener1]

What is this amazing thing I have discovered? I have been Is producing music for over thirty five years. And i've never heard anything like this. There is a good side to youtube and this is it

[@paulkatz]

Extraordinarily timely.

[@catherinedun3429]

OMG I've loved Laurie for around 40 years and never knew she was still recording! Just popped up on my phone feed "Oh Superman" I mean "Superwoman"! Merry Christmas ❤️🎄from New Zealand

[@scottkidwell3601]

My dad brought home Mr. Heartbreak in 1984. I was a sophomore in high school. I've been a fan ever since.

[@blueprairiedog]

Cool Dad.

[@sospita_]

I drove 4000 miles across the USA and back when I was 18. I Listened to this Album over and over end to end while driving and camping, real camping not like today kind camping, no phone no gadgets just a tent and matches.

[@gregaiken1725]

which album?

[@ski137]

Adding to my bucket list I saw Laurie live earlier this year. She preformed this, sans choir and gothic space but with custom video projections. An amazing piece with Lou Reed's dream-like visage and spoken voice. Quite a remarkable experience that I continue to process and appreciate.

[@PeterPiedPiper]

Outstanding! Laurie strikes again.

[@jimviv6030]

Been listening to Laurie for decades but most people I know have never heard of her. Their loss!

[@boossersgarage3239]

my gain.... too big an audience has ruined many an artist....

[@TonyBlablah]

Instead of complaining like a child that, "Laurie isn't well known enough". How about you open your mouth and our show people a video? Yeah, sounds good right. And everyone around you will thank you for being less of an ahole

[@spridgejuice]

you may not be aware that O Superman reached number 2 in the UK mainstream pop charts - only beaten by some very stupid song of course but nonetheless extremely popular

[@photasticimages9258]

Same.

[@raftermanvn-gl8nc]

there is a reason why that most people have never heard of her ........she has no talent .......NONE !

[@TStone-gh2iq]

This is fantastic. It’s ART. I happen to love it, but even if I didn’t, it’s ART. I’m so glad to find your channel! Thank you. And thank you Laurie!

[@ALLARTSTV]

GAHHH! These comments make our day. We're glad you found us, too.

[@rossdavies-hooper3602]

I've admired her work for eons. Genius. Her voice is as melodic as it ever was.🤩 Thank you for posting.

[@michelegagnon5618]

She's so true to herself and yet never fails to surprise and please.

[@joaopeste4595]

Laurie is one of the most important names in contemporanean music. Brilliant!| And so actual...

[@zeenatbaer138]

How does she manage to be so utterly brilliant... I am in absolute awe ..

[@saltspringdesign]

Lauri Anderson is such a unique creative force in music and poetry, a genius really. Constantly evolving and innovating and creating. Really extraordinary work. Bravo!

[@djdksf1]

I wish I could've been there! I was lucky enough to catch one performance of her 'Moby Dick' show about a decade ago and the experience is still with me. How Laurie manages to be so viscerally potent and intellectually cogent at the same time is a mystery not to be solved by us mortals - only to witness in amazement.

[@timwatson4118]

Thank you for sharing this. This is good medicine for a troubled world. In the early eighties i discovered the strange and wonderful Art of Laurie Anderson on late night CBC radio. It made me laugh. It made me think. It spoke to me in ways that i knew would effect me forever. No other artist has had such influence on my soul. Again i thank you.

[@johncarnegie1541]

Early 80s and " late night CBC radio"... not... Allan McFee's Eclectic Circus???

[@carmenrayanderson5345]

I'm South African. J.M. Coetzee wrote an award winning novel caused Waiting For The Barbarians. You owe it yourself to take it on board.

[@jacquietarr7280]

Diversion. To compare JM Coetzee’s harsh , bitter, cynical truth with THIS artistic brilliance ? Shame.

[@lazysingledaisybronwyn8105]

I can't stop listening to it! Crying each time, so emotional, deep, and needed to be heard and understood. It really digs. Deep! Standing ovation, if we can.

[@VenusSantaCruz]

I’ve always loved her. I got to see her live once in the late 90s. What a privilege.

[@jorgegonzalez-larramendi5491]

Same tour I caught. My lovely bipolar soon ex had to be dragged: all women looked like like tigress, with boyfriends dragged that looked like old wire hangers. My soon ex- got a touch of Cognitive Dissonance, which she shook off. The cult dispossessed her totally...

[@jorgegonzalez-larramendi5491]

Tigresses. Autocorrect bipolar

[@ScooterFXRS]

"To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women."

[@patriciaparkins2001]

I am completely surrendered to my mind being blown by Laurie’s glorious performance

[@mauricionegro5551]

Just in time. Briiliant. Konstantínos Kaváfis reloaded with even more poetry.

[@diegocohen]

I think Laurie Anderson is one of the most authentic and creative artists, writer and critic, amazing, my respects forever)

[@dorefromDetroit]

Wowza... i too am a Barbarian, dazzled by beauty and mystery, the sparkle of the disco ball, covered in a thousand mirrors. The oniony layers, of meaning, the delectable parfait of gristle and meat, That is this..... Speaks to my heart. Thank you for this gift

[@brentwalker8596]

I saw Laurie in concert back in D.C. in 1985. It's so awesome to hear her again doing her creative thing at present. Her performance art style is so effective at communicating a message.

[@erflingnot]

The goddesses are speaking❤ thank you genius Laurie Anderson

[@RFranklinCarter]

Backed by an orchestra, Laurie Anderson recites Cavafy's best-known poem. The event is not only high art but also a warning.

[@josephinebennington7247]

A warning to which not enough Americans listened on Nov 5th, 2024.

[@NikephorosAer54]

Bravo ! Βραβείον ! Knowing these poems as a kid(in Greek) I am speechless. Lady Anderson, G R E A T ! A Greek friend, Nikephoros.

[@roseheikkinen6643]

Brilliant and timely !

[@desert.mantis]

WHat a marvelous performance! I saw Ms. Anderson perform in 1981. She mesmerized me then as she does now.🤩

[@TheWyldHeart]

Memories of Home of the Brave~ she has always blown me away

[@jimballard7217]

Wow, this takes me back.. Been a long time since 'Sharkey's Night' Splendid , thankyou all arts.... ... .. .. .. .. .. .. . .

[@icysurfer1]

She is still classic, relevant, and entrancing... I saw it when I first heard her decades ago.

[@Biffer5]

Absolutely beautiful!! I closed my eyes and it was just the next step up from Big Science. Laurie is pure artist.

[@Frostflwr69]

Laurie Anderson!!! WooHooo I'm Walking ..and Falling ...at the Same..Time....🎉🎉🥰

[@nigelkennedy3427]

One of the most profound, original and beautiful masterpieces of the last few decades. Deep thanks.

[@PrimitiveIcon]

3 days after our national nightmare, this performance is exactly what i needed .. thank you Laurie and to all the choir, the orchestra, the conductor and Onassis Foundation thank you thank you

[@avidmisreader]

Either party long supported even the most graphic genocide so I think you have to parse what’s meant by ‘we’ and condemn lauding nazis in congress and parliament

[@myradioon]

@@avidmisreader You ain't seen nothin' yet. You're about to find out just how different "Both Sides" are. The current administration was the only thing holding back what you are about to witness.

[@avidmisreader]

@@myradioon @myradioon the admin that did everything to support obliteration of PS as well as keep UA and every other power grab going? Good/bad world flopcop routine is mostly self-deceit at this point… world is only too eager to pass through pain barrier because it’s tired of fatcats fueling crises to retain what Butler wrote about.

[@glassicblaster]

I hope to stay alive, ...I guess...

[@Sethetone]

Blood is on our hands if we sit back and do nothing!

[@InformationLiesAtTheEdges]

I had the good fortune to see Laurie Anderson three times: Ottawa, Montreal, Melbourne. After the Montreal concert, I was even able to talk with her after the concert to thank her. She was very easy to talk with, very approachable and friendly. She's a true genius.

[@rmp9417]

Love you Laurie Anderson you are a treasure thank you 🌟✨️

[@orendahandpan]

11:14 “You wont see them if your thoughts are somewhere else.” 😮

[@anavillalobos2578]

👁️ 👽 👁️ 🔥 👁️ 👽 👁️ yes . Focus ❤

[@doncahooti]

⁠diversion

[@kwitee]

In the original “if your psyche does not carry them around, does not project them before you”. Different meaning. My mother’s favourite poem.

[@agap4238]

LAURIE IS ALWAYS LAURIE, THE PATH OF IMAGINATION... A REAL DESIRE OF CREATIONS, ... A Super... THE PERFORMANCE ! ❤❤❤❤❤ THANK YOU, MADAME !

[@Ericwest1000]

Fantastic and prescient... I have a proper sense of dread now for what is about to befall us.

[@johnhirtle4300]

The two parties in the US are cheeks of the same arse. There will be little difference. Both are slaves to "israel" and determined to continue genocide and war mongering.

[@s.k.3891]

I was there; it was great!

[@gaetanoranieri6296]

I barbari sono arrivati da molto Tempo ! Un piacere ritrovare laurie

[@taragreenetarotastro]

Was just talking about Laurie Anderson and her O Superman being a huge influence on me as an artist, I would listen to this LP over and over and over again and it inspired me. Saw her Perform in 1982 and later in the 90's awesome to see her in the same fine space again. I love it

[@gardenkeeperjg]

Nothing short of timely. Bravo, Laurie Anderson!

[@Dancingwater-n4h]

My late husband and I fell in love with Laurie Anderson's repertoire and with her genius. We never missed a performance when she was in or around Philadelphia. Good days and nights... indeed. What a treasure. Poetry expounded.

[@chris-mv1fk]

Amazing performance!👏She's unique❤

[@StiltFactory]

Laurie! Always finding the new way in towards realizing where we are and what we are doing.

[@st939]

A great person, a great artist, citing one of 20th century's top ranking authors. For those who don't know please look this text up, it will change your life.

[@christieb2550]

Konstantinos Kavafis (1863- 1933).

[@sharonsparks4299]

Ithaca has been a very important discovery in my life. Cavafy was a unique and brilliant poet. How great to see Miz Laurie perform it.

[@ecobeattv6246]

My new National Anthem! Laurie LOVE.

[@mariusgrose3256]

The Barbarians are all ready here. I hope to see you in Manchester UK, Barbarians or not.

[@sderoski1]

I have met the barbarians and they are us

[@lifemelon]

Laurie Anderson performs these two poems "Waiting for the Barbarians" and "Ithaca", showing how deeply she respects, feels and understands the poet.

[@silvinacarrizo2726]

Sí, claro después que los verdadeiros bárbaros depredaron a Grécia? No existe mas la crítica cultural de verdad? Que fue la Fundación Onassis? Por favor

[@natashafortuin6255]

Beautiful, feels so sad, truth of who we've become as humans and words guiding us to hope and love within us.❤

[@amusicment4829]

Stunning work by the inspired Laurie Anderson. Wonderful.

[@milvujel]

As usual, amazing Laurie Anderson!

[@mut8inG]

Thank you,dear creators, you💕🌸

[@rebekahcrossman4690]

Oh how I wish I still lived in New York just to have been able to see and hear once in my life my favorite artist of now 44 years perform this. Thank you for making this concert available to us❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@chrisschneiders6734]

Wow, laurie is starting to earn her real place in the mucis world, not for us supposed freaks who have followed her. At her age its so inspiring..brillant!!