rip Lou Reed, Velvet Underground Leader and Rock Pioneer, Dead at 71

[Rappy Veteran]

Lou Reed, a massively influential songwriter and guitarist who helped shape nearly fifty years of rock music, died today. The cause of his death has not yet been released, but Reed underwent a liver transplant in May.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lou-reed-velvet-underground-leader-and-rock-pioneer-dead-at-71-20131027

[Elliot B.]

More information about him for people who hadn't heard of him until now (like me):

 

"Lou Reed (March 2, 1942 - October 27, 2013) was an American rock musician. He was originally from Long Island, New York and spent most of his life in New York City. He is remembered for being in the Velvet Underground, although he also released solo work. He was friends with artist Andy Warhol.

 

He is perhaps most famous for his songs "Walk on the Wild Side" (about transvestite Candy Darling and other such people Reed had known), "Perfect Day" (which was covered by many other artists, including Duran Duran and a version used by the BBC) and "Heroin" (an unabashed "love song" about the drug). Reed's 1989 album New York drew attention and praise, for its matter-of-fact look at the condition of New York City in the late 1980s.

 

At the height of his popularity as a solo artist, Reed released one of the least "commercial" recordings ever; his 1975 experimental album Metal Machine Music. It was an hour of electric guitar feedback, and not what many people thought was music. The album did not hurt his career in the long run, and it reminded people that Reed was a unique musician.

 

Because of his song about heroin, Reed was believed to have been addicted to the drug, but this was not the case. He was a longtime user of amphetamines, marijuana and tobacco, but gradually stopped using any drugs. He began exercising more, and enjoyed Tai Chi. He was bisexual.

 

In May 2000, Reed performed before Pope John Paul II at the Great Jubilee Concert in Rome. He was married to Laurie Anderson, the performance artist and musician."

[Boo Berry]

I've always like The Velvet Underground's music... Lulu with Metallica, not so much.

 

R.I.P. Lou.

[LaP]

RIP Lou Reed

 

First time i heard of him was after watching this outstanding movie featuring one of his outstanding song.

 

[Growled Member]

RIP, Lou. A great one is gone. I think I will go listen to a little of his music to celebrate his life.

[Boo Berry]

Same here, had The Velvet Underground & Nico playing on repeat all day. :D