Kevin Ayers / John Cale / Brian Eno / Nico
June 1, 1974
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

1974 US original yellow label. The "June 1, 1974" album is a unique live recording that documents a one-off concert held at the Rainbow Theatre in London. Bringing together an eclectic quartet—Kevin Ayers, John Cale, Brian Eno, and Nico—the performance was a convergence of some of the most influential figures in British and European art rock. The show was organized by Island Records, with each artist representing a distinct strand within the avant-garde and experimental rock scene. The backing band included notable musicians such as Mike Oldfield, Robert Wyatt, Rabbit and Ollie Halsall, contributing to the night's collaborative spirit. The concert is especially remembered for its eclectic setlist, with each artist delivering selected works from their respective catalogues, including Ayers' "May I?," Cale's "Heartbreak Hotel," Eno's "Driving Me Backwards," and Nico's haunting rendition of "The End."

From a historical perspective, the album captures a rare instance of creative cross-pollination at a time when the boundaries between progressive rock, art rock, and proto-punk were fluid. While each artist would proceed along highly individual paths, the collaboration embodied the experimental ethos of the early 1970s, when genre conventions were being routinely challenged. The event is also noted for its backstage tensions, particularly between Ayers and Cale, which would later gain notoriety in rock mythology. Despite, or perhaps because of, these tensions, "June 1, 1974" remains a document of an era defined by risk-taking and artistic openness, and stands as a testament to the creative ferment of the mid-1970s London music scene.