Photo: WENN.com
Lou Reed, Velvet Underground frontman and solo star, has died, at the age of 71.
His agent confirmed that Reed died of a liver-related ailment, after undergong a liver transplant in May 2013. In June of this year, his wife Laurie Anderson spoke to The Times newspaper about the operation, revealing the severity of his health problems.
"It's as serious as it gets. He was dying. You don't get it for fun," Anderson said at the time. "I don't think he'll ever totally recover from this, but he'll certainly be back to doing [things] in a few months. He's already working and doing t'ai chi. I'm very happy. It's a new life for him."
Reed came to widespread attention and acclaim with his work with The Velvet Underground, who were formed in 1964. Reed quit the band in 1970 and enjoyed a hugely successful solo career in the years that followed. With The Velvet Underground he released four studio albums between 1967 and 1970, but appeared on another eight releases after his departure.
As a solo artist, he released an epic 20 albums, beginning with his self-titled debut in 1972 and most recently, Hudson River Wind Meditations in 2007, although he collaborated with Metallica in 2011 on their joint release, Lulu. He was best known for tracks including 'Walk On The Wild Side' and 'Perfect Day' - which has been covered numerous times.
Listen to 'Walk On The Wild Side' below
Fans have paid tribute to Reed online, with the likes of Amanda Palmer, Duran Duran and many more leading the condolences online.
Theo Hutchcraft of Hurts wrote: "RIP Lou Reed. Such sad news. A man who made so much possible leaves an impossible space to fill. What a guy."
Josh Groban wrote: "A sad day in music. RIP Lou."
Amanda Palmer wrote: "Lou Reed was one if my favorite songwriters, and neil's hands down favorite. so sad."
Duran Duran posted: "Very sad to hear about the death of music pioneer Lou Reed. Our condolences to his family, we were all huge fans."
Ricky Gervais wrote: "RIP Lou Reed. One of the greatest artists of our time."
Erol Alkan tweeted: "So sad to read about Lou Reed passing.. Such incredible music for so long. RIP" Bestival founder Rob Da Bank wrote: "So so sad that Lou Reed has died..that man wrote a lot of my favourite songs and soundtracked my teen years.."
Bestival founder Rob Da Bank wrote: "So so sad that Lou Reed has died..that man wrote a lot of my favourite songs and soundtracked my teen years.."
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