Velvet Underground – June 24 to July 5 1970 – Max’s Kansas City, New York

VENUE: Max’s Kansas City, New York City 

DATES: June 24 – July 5 1970

 (Residency extended to nine weeks) SECTION: Concert Poster TITLE: The Velvet Underground – First NY Appearance in Three Years

This original black‑and‑white horizontal poster announced the Velvet Underground’s long‑awaited return to New York, their first local appearance in three years.

The residency at Max’s Kansas City began June 24 1970 and was initially advertised to end July 5, but the engagement stretched to nine weeks. Near the end of the run, Lou Reed famously quit the band, marking the close of the group’s original era.

The poster features stark photographic portraits of the band members — Doug Yule, Sterling Morrison, Lou Reed, and Maureen Tucker — arranged side by side in monochrome. The printed dates were later blacked out, replaced by handwritten text reading “Wed thru Sunday 777‑7870,” reflecting the club’s ongoing schedule. The piece measures 28 ¾ × 11 inches and grades Very Good Minus.

EVENT: Velvet Underground Residency at Max’s Kansas City

ERA: 1970 – Post‑Factory period TONE: Minimalist and documentary AUDIENCE: New York rock scene and Velvet Underground collectors

NOTES:  

During this residency, the band worked through and recorded material for their fourth studio album, Loaded, released later that year.

The record included Reed’s enduring classics “Sweet Jane” and “Rock and Roll.” The Max’s shows captured the Velvet Underground at a transitional moment — still raw and experimental but moving toward a more melodic sound.

Max’s Kansas City itself was a cultural hub, frequented by artists, musicians, and writers from the Factory scene and beyond. The club’s intimate setting made these performances legendary among fans and historians alike.

Sources: Heritage Auctions; Discogs; Wikipedia; Max’s Kansas City Archives Copyright © 1970 Max’s Kansas City / The Velvet Underground. All rights reserved. Archival reproduction for educational and historical reference only.