Underworld Rez/Cowgirl Live at Reading Festival 1996

The best live version of Cowgirl/Rez out there. Enjoy :)
The thumbnail is a waveform rendition of Rez that my wife got printed and framed for my birthday. (I can't work out how to edit to the playback image, but no big deal - I went to a lot of effort to find a pic that captured the wonderful visuals from those mid-90s sets and had all three in shot).

[@johnreilly7477]

If your listening to this now you have impeccable taste in some of the best music ever layed down take me back then hapy happy carefree times

[@kij100]

Mate I have a dj friend of mine a 'loan' of my white label of Rez and never saw it again. Heard it a few times though!

[@kij100]

*gave

[@rossmcdonough4329]

Have loved the track years but first time hearing this version. It’s off the scale good. Would have give me a lot to have seen this live.

[@Titusmuddler]

And many enjoyed the euphoria of doves unforgettable experience

[@dorhysgnawing1263]

On gang

[@Test_Pressing]

I worked for their label. As someone says below they went on at the same time as the Stone Roses at Reading... It was the year The Stone Roses self combusted on stage and more and more people came into our tent until it was bursting. Me and Steve and Lucy from the office were stood at the back. Not long in I remember a roady climbing up the central pole of the tent with something on his shoulder and tied it at the top then this massive Underworld banner unfurled. The place went nuts, it was game on and Underworld were just ridiculous and on top form. A properly good day at work.

[@diarmidohare2978]

Roses quite simply all hype and little ability to perform live to an acceptable standard...Seen a few years ago and got the 'old age' defence and my reply was 'Bollox' Shite's just shit so stick to studios if you can't do it live!!! SIMPLES...Underworld blow them away \o/ #HITA

[@elsamessi]

I always wondered who that dude was who climbed up that rig. It was fucking mental. A mosh pit from the front of the stage to the metal fencing at the back of the fence. It just didn’t stop. Madness

[@stevepower1764]

I was amongst those that abandoned the Roses set (they were just shockingly bad live by this point) and headed off to catch Underworld. It was rammed so couldn't really get inside, but they sounded amazing from just outside the tent. Wish I'd arrived sooner so I could have got closer.

[@cdevidal]

I would have absolutely lost my head if I were there at that time. Just bonkers. Sounds like it was an amazing event.

[@cestlavie1899]

i love you and this and that and all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jaakkomiinala9130]

Turning 44 today, I was there! There are things i cannot remember but this festival i do.

[@slaxxxer]

wasn't it fantastic?, I turned 26 whilst at the festival - this was the best birthday present ever! (i am now 48)

[@MrZappastache]

Me too.

[@pollumG]

Me too...I was 16...crazy time...it was a free for all lol

[@jasonsmith530]

Birthday party music for life

[@reneeschwider6136]

Its amazing

[@ShawnPurvesChemikult]

One of the best gigs ever! They pushed the boat right out. That tent was literally levitating the energy levels were off the charts, crank and stamped to the max. A major inspirational moment that set me off on a Dj journey to this day.

[@firetv1751]

I like all different types of music. Been playing instruments since I was a kid so a lot of my, family, mates are musicians. I don't know anyone that gets the genius of Underworld like I do. Just incredible to produce music like this especially with the limited equipment they did it with. I was 11 in 96' so didn't get into them until early 2000's which is a shame. I bought Fat of the Land and Block Rockin' Beats single 😆 and my dad was horrified. That led me to Underworld, Orbital etc. Bought 1210's. If my vinyl hadn't been in my mothers attic for nearly 20 years and likely in bits I'd whip them out. Met Darren Emerson in Dublin Airport once, he was surprised I recognised him because I was young, he was sound. I'm pissed so talking nonsense just reminiscing. Keep up the DJing!

[@silentb2084]

@@firetv1751they really break the tired stereotype about “techno music is just pushing a button.” It’s a unique modality that requires skills, talent, & experience to master and it helps to have THE GIFT like these tremendous dudes

[@stevenhaynes7633]

When this first came out I was in a club that was at it's capacity of about 400 people. All night long some people danced, some sat at tables, some sat at the bar. When this song started up 400 people were on the dance floor. 400 people had their arms in the air. 400 people were jumping as one individual. 400 were singing along. When the song was over, people went back to their tables, their seats at the bar, and some stayed on the floor. GREATEST CLUB MOMENT OF MY LIFE!!!

[@bjrnarestlen1234]

Shit, this stuff makes an old man cry...

[@hubertdutrou3591]

not only the old.. i'm 23 and i seen him twice, you have the chance to see him again, when i will be old he will be dead or at least he will not perform anymore (i guess ? lol) :(((

[@Sobig315-k7k]

, 👍😭😢

[@albion7000]

Saw Underworld twice this year...Never to old...I'm 48 and still raving like a loon-spud

[@CranfordPark]

55 and still gets me moving

[@veram3681]

same

[@zarakikenpachi-iy1nz]

i;m 51 and this is still my all time favorite song. the music, the energy all come together so beautifully. my go to music

[@ayabassa]

Age is just a number. Memories last forever!

[@IanJTaylor]

Hope you still go to clubs and bosh cheeky ones!

[@tatum3d]

I know what you mean. Dubnobasswithmyhead is such an amazing & unique album and every song on it is amazing. The first time I heard it I was a underworld fan for life

[@stevenrandall6389]

Best set I've ever experienced anywhere, ever. I was in that tent at Reading 96

[@sdol2348]

Me too. It was fucking immense

[@garycoleman7165]

There LITERALLY is no better version of this medley. The opening is INSANE!

[@salem927]

Listen to bassnectar remix. He leaves the beauty and just adds more.. Give it a shot

[@Rush_Under]

@@salem927 I have. It's pretty good, but this is still better.

[@salem927]

@@Rush_Under that's fair

[@kij100]

@@salem927 sorry compared to Underworld Bass nectar is proper shit!

[@MartinIrwin]

It’s amazing. Perfect pace. Cowgirl is

[@iwanttobeamole]

24 years on this is still an absolutely institution in house music. 24 years on and I still can't get enough.

[@johnsnelgrove2095]

Top tune Underworld at their best xxx Still gives me goosebumps 30 years later xxx

[@starwarsroo2448]

That slowed beginning must have been spine tinglingly breath taking

[@philstadnicki7882]

Absolutely fucking awesome....the best 15 minutes and 55 seconds you will spend on KZbin. Hits my musical g spot every time

[@rossmcdonough4329]

Too right

[@Titusmuddler]

Saw them in Newcastle early 90s on magic mushrooms im still lost for words

[@firetv1751]

@@Titusmuddler 😆😆😆 can't imagine what an Underworld gig is like on mushies. Sounds great!! Last time I did them, had a load. I ended up in a field about 40 miles from home, not a clue how I got there, honestly could have walked. I remember thinking the cows were talking to me. A farmer with a shotgun came along and told me I was lucky a bull didn't trample me. The good old days!!

[@Titusmuddler]

@@firetv1751 i remember those days, I mean I don't, but I do

[@unicornsandrainbowsandchic2336]

The stories on here are amazing. This version is amazing. I bought this at tower records in 94. This love version is blowing me away. I'm actually crying. But I think that's more because it's making me remember when I ate acid to make the world mad. Now it's so often a bad trip without assistance. Your stories are sparks of beauty - thanks for sharing.

[@MelliaBoomBot]

50 and I feel not only nostalgic but I feel quite inspired too, got my dreams back...

[@ianhagler3678]

Very true..

[@mooreb1421]

Music like this doesn’t get made anymore ❤️

[@FrankGane]

I was there :) it was out of this world! I will never forget it. I've been to a lot of gigs since and I'd say only 2 others have come close. Still get shivers.

[@ck675]

Well? What are the 2 others?? Very envious you got to actually experience this!

[@FrankGane]

+ck675 It was amazing :) I decided to see this over Stone Roses that year. Best decision ever. My 2 other gigs that I'll never forget are Orbital Main Stage Glastonbury 1995 and the other was getting to DJ with Sister Bliss, Phil Hartnoll & Leftfield at a festival in Cornwall. Never felt so lucky & been so nervous... :)

[@rhythmace1]

Yeah I've listened to tens of different live bootlegs of this pairing, seen about 10 performances of it in person, but this one from Reading '96 has always been the definitive version for me. For years I listened to it as a cassette tape from the radio on the night, then as an MP3 I made of that cassette, so happy they've now released a proper recording of it, it sounds even better.

[@pointlesspeasant2275]

Rez was the soundtrack to my mid 20's along with Hallucinogen's LSD!!! Makes you want to smash your windows and scream at the world, "don't you fucking get it???!!!"

[@quogir1]

“…do you!! “😊

[@Triggerhappyace1]

Just a 2021 comment passing through still buzzing from this tune all these years later. ❤️❤️💯

[@alanwilson_performancecoaching]

I think I've just had the best time of my life. Absolutely stunning, incredible. Tears in my eyes as I sat listening from that incredible start!

[@xvadim]

elevates your mind to a plane of freedom and life affirmation that’s transcendental

[@kevinstoneham1245]

Put this on just now in my lunch break. As it kicked in I had to have a cigarette to celebrate.

[@Titusmuddler]

Line of toot works

[@knowbodycares]

All I can say about this piece is that, IF I were involved in the creation of not only the original track,BUT,also this live version,I would be able to die a happy man...knowing that this was my contribution to the world...THANK YOU UNDERWORLD(HYDE,SMITH,EMERSON) so very much!!!!! :-)

[@davekatz3679]

You just have to listen to it - and then you can die happy...........

[@fraserstirling202]

love the build up at the start of this great version

[@TECHNORICH123]

That intro is seminal , I've just had an eargasm

[@tonylang7526]

EARGASMIC PHANTASMAGORIA!!

[@diarmidohare2978]

Word!!! It’s pure aural sex...D

[@kij100]

Only intro I've heard that good is The Orb

[@kij100]

The jealousy I have for those that were there for this is ripping out of me! I love Rez and this is without a doubt the finest live version I have ever heard! You were SO lucky.

[@Bowlardo]

I was 19 In Dublin And they started with this Most amazing gig of all time Imagine a band coming out and starting with their best song Needless to say it was bedlam from then out

[@stevenrandall6389]

I was there. Best set ever

[@edmonddantes981]

2023 and every year until my heart stops beating ..bliss

[@wezismdesigns]

WOW! FINALLY FOUND THIS VERSION! - amazing!

[@hushsky]

It’s just beautiful

[@danpenny858]

Happy New Year, every year....

[@guernican]

Used to go clubbing to this. Now I go running to it. Either way, Underworld have done more than anyone else to stop me from turning into a fat bastard.

[@jotcw81]

Haha, that is true for me too. God bless these boys.

[@micks9254]

Classic mate 😂👍👌

[@leewilliams3070]

Masterclass! Has every hair on my body standing to attention!

[@jamescutler4515]

The main beat kicking in never fails to deliver

[@IrrippiOntor]

I concur - this is the best version =) I used to listen to it on mp3 while mowing the lawn. Gawd I miss Napster

[@timdickson5531]

I bet you had a fucking awesome lawn

[@ryanhansen4781]

I agree

[@bbiwyou]

Speaking of Napster, pretty sure you can get it from Soulseek

[@RB747domme]

Yama Llama Krishna without doubt, the greatest live version of Rez that they have ever performed. I think the atmosphere, and the crowd just added the icing on the cake.

[@-xirx-]

I hear ya

[@YamYamWarrior]

This is amazing! Never heard this version before. Love the way the intro builds in to the main riff of the album and all the little bits they add to it live. Fantastic! 😊

[@alanchriston6806]

Superb nothing tops this at a all nighter, way back then 😊😊😊😊😊

[@matthewjones3852]

Quite fantastic. Fond memories of student-life, climbing trips and good mates! Thanks for share!😃

[@giancarlodandrea4313]

I haven't words to describe this song, simply magnificent!!

[@moltobenny1123]

My third and final Reading fest. Sacked off the Stone Roses for this. One of the better decisions I've made in my life. Proper proper proper gig...

[@valley_robot]

Molto Benny good choice mate

[@dr.k.vogel.]

Shit, now you mention it, I was there as well! My brother wanted to see the Stone Roses and we watched for a bit but it was... awful (not the classic lineup). We went to see Underworld and it was one of the best gigs I've ever seen!

[@steverandall5984]

I made exactly the same choice. My mate was a massive underworld fan and went to see the roses. He said they were awful and out of tune.

[@guystevens311]

I made the same choice too. The Roses were indeed awful so legged it to the tent where you could see the roof was being torn off by this amazing performance.

[@framob]

60 this yr + Karl still brings it everytime !

[@knowbodycares]

Thanks for uploading the entire song...Underworld at the very top of their game!!! A magical moment is must have been to be in thataudience...WOW!!

[@rabago85]

How have I never heard this live version🤷‍♂️. The intro is amazing

[@boysull]

What a set this was. Definitely the best thing I've ever been to. Awesome. The mate who I was at this with just posted the link to me for my birthday. Outstanding work fella!

[@nicktodd1132]

Thank you for posting this... what an intro.. what an absolute belter! Best live version ever.. no doubt.

[@mikejames8630]

thanks for uploading this, epic opening, and love the live feel ironically i wish there was more crowd noise but 23 years ago i can imagine the euphoria.

[@stephanrosos516]

EpicINSANE ultimate live version of the Rez indeed !! Best I've ever heard. Spinal Lighning! Gratis Ultimae for sharing this! Been searching for this for 15 yrs !!! Takes me back to the peak of my Life! My mind and eardrums are blown now, in the best way!

[@NowInAus]

The best anti-aging medicine around

[@briantodd5851]

Best way to spend 15 minutes❤

[@briantodd5851]

STILL the best way to spend 15 minutes

[@Puni_19]

Play it on repeat - best way to spend an hour (or more)!

[@ewaldschroder8536]

The late 90s were a golden age for Underworld that perhaps remains unmatched and the influence of Darren Emerson back then might have added that extra bit of creativity that made the difference, based on the numerous live recordings available from back then and since, not just on their studio albums. Was lucky to catch them at the homelands dance festival in hampshire in 1999 with the likes of chemical bros, faithless, fat boy slim, basement jaxx, paul oakenfold. A golden age.

[@alanoconnor4745]

What a tune , still one of my favorite

[@Smollie42]

My goosebumps have goosebumps!!

[@emmeline.cane-honeysett]

Fair play - back a few years ago I couldn't get the entire track in there, and this is deffo better quality :) If only we could get the visuals!

[@emmeline.cane-honeysett]

And have just noticed my upload has now been blocked - ah well. This one is better :)

[@janaka303]

Sucks that UMG took it down :(

[@daveydoherty]

Possibly best ever Reading performance fa us!

[@sunflowereye]

This version brings absolute tears of joy & dance floor bliss. The best! Love Underworld so much

[@kellier1978]

That intro was unreal!

[@rankoj63]

Love it love it love it

[@unlock2580]

I was there! Still get chills listening to it. Going off!

[@mst3k54]

THIS is what your ears are for

[@tinataylor828]

So agree takes me back on journey of youth live brill 💖

[@jaredscott367]

my ears are always ready for good electronic music

[@7stepsolutions863]

this is literally amazing

[@hannahharte8517]

close your eyes and your back in the day yeeeeeeeehhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaa

[@remyr9056]

Incredible sound, incredible vibes. Eternal music, for eternal song..

[@ScobieLeprachaun]

Awesome !! The change at 12:12 ;) wasn't there but can picture it in my mind :)

[@trippingcool12]

Me too, mate 🎧🎧🎧🎧

[@FrankGane]

Brings back such amazing memories!!! Feel so lucky to have been there :-) Beautiful. Thank you!

[@slaxxxer]

It was a mind blowing set that night & what a final couple of tracks eh? ;-)

[@Spastik25]

this made me cry a lot....

[@gunnarn.6248]

This band is simply unique. Nothing less. Highly psychedelic. Incredibly positive vibes. Watch the vid of 2 months off and this is what will happen while listening

[@lawrencesmeaton6930]

I feel like this live version makes it so much more obvious how big an influence Europe Endless by Kraftwerk had on this song.

[@MrJake1971]

Doesn't get any better than this......

[@willielast]

Nostalgia gets me every foockin time

[@leesaunders8193]

Hmm well this is the greatest live performance I have ever heard of any song by anyone ever. This is a bootleg and yet you can just not only feel but EMBED the energy radiating from the speakers. Its like a series of constant peaks and triumphs, and boy does it give me goosebumps throughout

[@JoseGomez-px7ci]

Lee Saunders brought me here

[@lewisinman3473]

Lee Saunders brought me here

[@diarmidohare2978]

This is a beautiful take on this masterpiece of Techno...Pure Underworld and dripping of Ricks musical vision...Just plain Epic!!! \o/ #HITA

[@cubensisa]

goosebumps every time....

[@kalikoba7241]

I agree. Best live version ever. Got it long ago when napster was free :)

[@IanJTaylor]

I remember when Napster was free. Everything is shit now though

[@mst3k54]

IT'S BLOODY GREAT TO BE BACK HOME!

[@ianedmonds9191]

The way they deconstructed the tune in the intro is so Epic. Before the resonant filter is on it it sounds like church bells or something. The intervals they picked were all in the harmonic series so you heard them out in the wild. Epic stuff. These guys were great and this is them at the top of their game. I will always love this tune. Luv and Peace.

[@bbiwyou]

IF you listen carefully, bells are everywhere in Underworld's musical work. some obvious (Simple Peal) and some not : Cowgirl first notes are distorted bells. Two Months Off chorus is a slightly detuned version of Worcester Cathedral's chime. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWrPmGiAgKlopck.

[@unicornsandrainbowsandchic2336]

I'm surprised they didn't use it every time they played live- I feel like it really boosts the emotion on the song somehow (at least for me). Plus I geek out on stuff like that and I'm sure I'm not alone in this crowd :) Boy this makes me miss the 90's.

[@ianedmonds9191]

@@unicornsandrainbowsandchic2336 We forever will. Luv and Peace.

[@nighttrain2120]

YES! Used to have this version (or one from a similar show) on a taped of Radio 1's End of Year Dance Review. So good.

[@manicelf8807]

THE FUCKING 90s!!! FUCKING AWESOME!!!

[@ISLANDIV5]

Absolutely amazing eargasmic electronic music from the Underworld boys , thankyou :-)

[@DiegoBattini]

This is absolutely brilliant... cheers from Buenos Aires!!!

[@christopherclynes9263]

LOVE this version

[@Compress2Impress]

Oh god, I can't cope with this!!

[@kij100]

A work of art

[@paulharrison5529]

24 years old but still sounding every bit as good as it did way back then

[@narayan585]

thank you for this moment of happiness and especially thank you for this moment of remembrance

[@missbertrax]

OMG! Thank you so much.

[@trippingcool12]

Replace all my senses, but not the hearing. Thanks, @underworld

[@ChristianAger]

Truly sensational

[@matthewhenry-gibson2579]

Fantastic Thank you so much

[@decree72]

holy F as gen x i cant recover from massive goosebumps, save me...

[@jamesmcleish2420]

Best 2 tunes in the world,good old days

[@framob]

Definitely the best I've heard saw Karl umpteen times definitely different class 🔊👍

[@adrianbisset8710]

Goosebumps on top of massive goosebumps!!!!!!! The BOMB!!!!

[@dalefrary]

I was in there with my hands in the air, great set, think Prodigy played the next day on main stage, also a great set.

[@ScobieLeprachaun]

Back again, this is just the best 😊

[@DribblyBob]

'96 great year. Younger, thinner , off me face n skint. Happy days.

[@PUNKinDRUBLIC72]

Same!

[@kij100]

I want someone to bootleg this and drop it as the last track of the night, i guarantee no fucker is leaving the club early!

[@nickonak5475]

fuck... im 47. just had a big hit of weed from a bong for the 1st time in 25yrs... this just BLEW MY MIND😚😁😁😁

[@clorofilaazul]

I wish they could bring this energy back again to their music. I miss it a lot.

[@stephanrosos4957]

Uncredited and missing from the VANILLA SKY Soundtrack... the best scene in the film..... the background club trance music tune playing in one of the best film scenes.... one of the 10 greatest tunes i've ever heard in my LIFE, an exquisite LIVE version of Underworld returning back to the UK playing their home ground after a hugely successful world tour, thus has the PASSION OF HOMECOMING in this blockbuster version. BILLLIONS of thanks!!! Check out Rez/Cowgirl "vs DEEP BLUE" video here on YT for the BEST VIDEO I've ever seen.....

[@hansdampf478]

Wow! Never know that this song was uncredited on the Vanilla Sky soundtrack! What a shame! I just have to watch the movie again :D

[@Raquel_Incorporated]

Yeah that Deep Blue version is quite something. If only it was in high quality on spotify...

[@matthudson4510]

still listening. thanks underworld

[@sportsbunny33]

I was there and that’s exactly how I remember it too!

[@w2tb36]

I will play this even when I'm dead.

[@sdol2348]

Me too

[@tinataylor828]

Still watching 2021 bring the festival s back 😎

[@weirdimcd]

Perfection.