William Burroughs at home in Lawrence, Kansas smoking dope and shooting the shit with his friends Allen Ginsberg and Steve Buscemi as Patti Smith serenades them in the background. Filmed by Wayne Probst in August of 1996.

It seems El Hombre Invisible didn’t learn his lesson regarding lethal weapons. He flashes a knife around with careless abandon. But no one gets hurt.

In part two of the video Burroughs shows off his blackjack while Patti sings “Southern Cross” and Ginsberg eats dinner. Not much happening here, but goddamn it’s William Burroughs in his lair which is more than enough for me. 
 

these are just absolutely beautiful videos. They’re so informal, and warm that you feel like you are with them just hanging out in your living room, a dream I think many people would love to live; there are moments when you see Bill and Allen sitting in chairs next to each other with Patti Smith’s music playing and I think of my own aging father, and realize how much the writing of both of these two fine geniuses seemed to be about just accepting people as they are. Put this on and just listen to the sound as you draw or read; its like being home. Thanks for posting this

nardac,

I like the vibe too.

This is so lovely and intimate, even Burroughs grousing about the price of knives and kleenex seems homespun.  Patti apologizing for missing a note is just beautiful, the toast warms the heart, it confirms all you know to be true about these people; how important to them the sanctified milieu.

First time I’ve consciously listened to Patti Smith. Nice song.

What they already said. What a great vibe. Can anyone tell me the name of the song Patti does in part 1?

Patti Smith is that rare and special artist who makes me realize how necessary art is to a life well lived.

Great stuff! Just for the record, the song Patti sings is actually “Grateful,” not “Southern Cross.”
Thanks!

StuThar, the song is called “Grateful”.