Lou Reed: The Life

"'This 'sincere speed-written, blood-spattered tribute' strings together the raciest anecdotes...and does it rather well'" - SUNDAY TIMES

"'Mick Wall has written in a rough and unsentimental style that suits his subject'" - THE TIMES

Lou Reed died in 2013. This is the critically acclaimed biography of the influential songwriter, founding member of the Velvet Underground, and iconic musician. Rock 'n' roll was the very essence of Lou Reed's existence. From recording one of the most critically lauded albums of all time with THE VELVET UNDERGROUND & NICO (1967), through periods of heavy drug use, to performing before the Pope, Lou Reed's story is a rollercoaster of significant highs and profound lows.

Unwaveringly dedicated to his artistic vision, he became one of modern music's most legendary and seismically influential figures. Despite being a controversial, outspoken, and often undoubtedly misunderstood musician, Lou Reed's impact on popular culture cannot be overstated. He successfully brought the avant-garde into the mainstream consciousness with the Velvet Underground, and his subsequent solo work was widely declared a revelation. Hit albums such as TRANSFORMER, SALLY CAN'T DANCE, and BERLIN have firmly cemented his name within the rock pantheon.

A testament to his formidable strength of character and unwavering spirit, he remained a vital creative force and performer until his final days, playing benefit gigs, featuring on new releases, and, poignantly, declaring his anticipation for "being on stage performing, and writing more songs to connect with your hearts and spirits and the universe well into the future." A true icon of rock 'n' roll, his enduring legacy will undoubtedly live on through the pages of this book.