Word has spread rapidly around the media world of the passing of one of rocks most enigmatic figures and originators of the early underground.
Lou Reeds beginnings with Velvet Underground was unusual in as much as he and they were associated in a bohemian world of Andy Warhol and art as it was in music, and it crossed boundaries of the arts for that reason. If mainstream success eluded the band it only added to the mystique of these 'modern artists'.
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"The Velvet Underground were a commercial failure in the late 1960s, but the group has gained a considerable cult following in the years since its demise and has gone on to become one of the most widely cited and influential bands of the era". Wikipedia
His solo career from 1972 was wild, erratic, controversial and daring. On stage he could be a visually languid figure giving the appearance of complete boredom. You could see him as the first New York punk, and many more were to follow that style in later years.
In the early 70's concerts if there were signs of a little animated dance from him it was going to be a great gig, conversely standing statue like would usually mean his interest had waned giving to a tension in the atmosphere. This all added to the fun of seeing the guy perform live. Which Lou was going to turn up was always the question.
The retrospects, box sets, reissues, documentary's will follow. His story will unfold in greater detail.
Here is "Rock and Roll" with one of his really good bands live in 1984 at the Roskilde Festival, Denmark.
So long Lou.
