Legendary musician Lou Reed, best known for founding the Velvet Underground, is dead
Lou Reed, the musician made famous by co-founding rock band the Velvet Underground with John Cale, passed away on Sunday (Oct. 27). He was 71. Reed is survived by his wife, performance artist Laurie Anderson, who he wed in 2008.
According to The New York Times, Reed passed away of liver disease. He received a liver transplant in May, which complicated his touring schedule and forced him to cancel a handful of spring concerts, including a stop at the legendary Coachella festival.
Reed may be best known for his work with the Velvet Underground, but he eventually championed a successful solo career, which included the popular solo hit, “Walk on the Wild Side.” In addition to the solo work, Reed collaborated with Metallica in 2011 for the album “Lulu.”
Reed was also a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1996, he was inducted into the Rock Hall as a member of the Velvet Underground.
Upon the news of Reed’s passing, musicians and bands of all genres of music took to Twitter to express their adoration for the musician, including Weezer, Nikki Sixx, Flea, the Who and Imagine Dragons. View their tweets below.
R.I.P Lou Reed – VU was a big influence when weezer was being formed, and Ric Ocasek told us cool stories of his friendship with him.
— weezer (@Weezer) October 27, 2013
RIP Lou Reed.Thank you for your beautiful/dark lyrics/music and stance on life.You inspired me from my teenage years right up till today.
— Nikki Sixx (@NikkiSixx) October 27, 2013
I love Lou reed so much. Always
— Flea (@flea333) October 27, 2013
R.I.P. Lou Reed. Walk on the peaceful side.
— The Who (@TheWho) October 27, 2013
RIP Lou Reed. definitely one of the great pioneers of rock
— Imagine Dragons (@Imaginedragons) October 27, 2013
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