Nico, born Christa Päffgen in Cologne, Germany in 1938, was a distinctive and influential figure who moved between modelling, acting, and music throughout her career. She first gained prominence as a fashion model and actress in the 1960s, appearing in Federico Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita,” before becoming associated with Andy Warhol’s Factory scene in New York.

Her most famous musical collaboration was with The Velvet Underground, where her deep, haunting voice featured prominently on their 1967 debut album “The Velvet Underground & Nico.” After leaving the band, she pursued a solo career that showcased her unique vocal style and increasingly experimental approach, releasing albums like “Chelsea Girl” and “The Marble Index.”

Her later work incorporated elements of gothic rock and avant-garde music, influencing countless alternative and underground artists. Nico struggled with heroin addiction for much of her later life and died in 1988 while cycling in Ibiza, leaving behind a complex legacy as both a Warhol superstar and a pioneering figure in alternative music.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

This box set connects together some legendary and very rare music from Nico and friends, including John Cale, Lou Reed, Brian Eno, Tangerine Dream, Kevin Ayers, Lutz “Lüül” Ulbrich, The Blue Orchids and The Faction.

*. The “Bedroom Tape” is a legendary bootleg recording of Lou Reed and Nico rehearsing together, though its exact dating and circumstances have been subject to considerable debate among fans and collectors. The recording was made at Richard and Lisa Robinson’s apartment in New York for a planned solo Nico appearance where Lou was to back her up on acoustic guitar, though the gig itself never took place.

• In 1974, Nico and John Cale found themselves in Berlin during a pivotal period for both artists. Nico, the German-born chanteuse who had gained fame with the Velvet Underground and through her association with Andy Warhol’s Factory, was navigating her solo career while battling personal demons. Cale, the Welsh multi-instrumentalist and former Velvet Underground member, was establishing himself as an innovative producer and solo artist. Berlin in the mid-1970s provided a fitting backdrop for their artistic endeavours - a city divided yet creatively fertile, attracting experimental musicians and artists seeking inspiration in its stark, politically charged atmosphere.

• Nico’s collaboration with Tangerine Dream in 1974 represents a fascinating intersection of two distinct musical worlds. The German krautrock pioneers, led by Edgar Froese, had established themselves as masters of synthesiser-driven soundscapes and electronic experimentation. When they worked with Nico (Christa Päffgen), the former Velvet Underground chanteuse brought her distinctive, deep, haunting vocals and European art sensibility to their cosmic electronic framework.

• A set of essential recordings from 1978 with Lutz Graf-Ulbrich, her long-time partner and collaborator. Nico met fellow German musician Lutz “Lüül” Ulbrich (formerly of Ash Ra Tempel and Agitation Free) in the 1970s, and together they formed a relationship that involved romance, artistic collaboration, heroin, and ultimately a friendship that would last for the rest of Nico’s li

• A set of recordings from 1975 with her old friend and sometime collaborator, the legendary singer-songwriter Kevin Ayers. In 1975, both Kevin and Nico were signed to Island Records, with Nico pursuing a solo career post-Velvet Underground, often working with John Cale. Their most notable collaboration that year was a live performance on August 6, 1975, at the Arènes d’Arles in Arles, France.

• In 1979, Nico collaborated with John Cale on what would become some of her most critically acclaimed works during sessions that resulted in several recordings. Cale, her former Velvet Underground bandmate, produced and arranged material for Nico during this period, bringing his distinctive musical sensibilities to her stark, haunting vocal style

*. On June 5, 1979, Nico performed at the Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles alongside Tim Hardin and Lutz Ulbrich. This concert featured a mix of Nico’s signature songs from her Velvet Underground days and solo career, as well as contributions from Tim Hardin.

• In early 1982, Nico embarked on a significant collaboration with The Blue Orchids, a Manchester-based post-punk band formed by former members of The Fall, including Martin Bramah and Una Baines. The group toured with Nico, serving as both backing group and support act, creating a unique fusion of Nico’s distinctive gothic sensibilities with The Blue Orchids’ angular post-punk sound.

*. Nico performed a four-date tour of New Zealand with The Faction in February 1986, with concerts at His Majesty’s Theatre in Auckland (February 22), St James Theatre in Wellington (February 23), Carlton Hotel in Christchurch (February 24), and Dunedin (February 25). This tour came after the successful collaboration between Nico and The Faction on her final studio album, “Camera Obscura.”

Altogether, this box set is unmissable for any fans of this enigmatic German chanteuse.