« today’s quote | Home | today’s quote »
take a walk on the wild side
By vrtualme | March 2, 2007
I just keep feeling older and older. One of my all time favorite musicians turns 65 today. Lou reed, best known for his only official hit song walk on the wild side, was born on this date in 1942. I think what first attracted me to reed were his companions; he’s hung with the coolest people. A list that includes David Bowie, Andy Warhol, Mick ronson and iggy pop. On top of that he’s currently married to Laurie Anderson. But what has kept me a fan is his take no shit attitude. In many of his songs he explores subjects such as drug use and what I might call alternative sex. (You can view a list of some of my favorites below.)
Basically I love glam rock, and where Bowie was the prince, reed was the king (or maybe that should be princess and queen respectively?). Most people think Ewan McGregor’s portrayal of curt wild in velvet goldmine (1998) was based on iggy pop; but the character’s background is actually copied more from reed’s childhood and the beginnings of his solo career. As a child he was subjected to rounds of shock treatment to “cure” him of homosexual tendencies. And as
a budding solo artist he was mentored by Bowie and Mick ronson, who brought him to Europe and produced his first solo album.
Before going solo though Lou reed was part of a band called the velvet underground. They rose to fame after being discovered, and then managed, by Andy Warhol. Sense than they’ve been credited as being one of the biggest influences on alternative rock. And reed has served as inspiration to artist such as nick cave, sonic youth, Trent reznor and u2.
Lou reed has also followed in the footsteps of many other musicians and has given Hollywood a try. You can see him in such movies as Prozac nation (2001, as himself), lulu on the bridge (1998, credited as not Lou reed) and blue in the face (1995). Admittedly all small roles. But he has lent a musical hand to a long list of other movies over the last 30 years; and was featured in a documentary named Lou reed: rock–n-roll heart (1998).
Happy birthday Lou baby!
And as promised, a list of my favorite Lou reed/velvet underground songs:
- I’ll be your mirror (at the top of my list)
- Femme fatale
- I’m waiting for my man
- Venus in furs
- All tomorrow’s parties
- Sweet Jane
- Perfect day
- Satellite of love
- Walk on the wild side
join in the fun. name the people in this video.
leave your answers in the comments box below.
Topics: births & deaths, movies |