Apprendre à jouer: Lou Reed

Lou Reed – The Enigma of Urban Rock

Explores in depth the fascinating story of Lou Reed, an extraordinary artist whose music and lyrics redefined rock and urban poetry.

The Birth of a Legend

On March 2, 1942, in the Brooklyn neighborhood of New York, Lewis Allan Reed was born, destined to become one of the most influential and controversial figures in the history of music. From an early age, Lou Reed showed a deep interest in music and poetry, two passions that would shape his exceptional artistic career.

Folk, Poetry, and Rebellion

Young Lou Reed began playing guitar at the age of 14 and quickly became familiar with folk music. His time at Syracuse University brought him into contact with the world of poetry and letters, an influence that would be felt in his later lyrics. However, it was while studying at Syracuse University that Lou Reed began to reveal his rebellious and unconventional personality, traits that would be reflected in his music.

The Rock Revolution with The Velvet Underground

Discover how Lou Reed founded The Velvet Underground, a legendary group that radically changed the face of rock and underground music.

The Emergence of The Velvet Underground

In 1965, Lou Reed teamed up with John Cale, Sterling Morrison, and Maureen Tucker to form The Velvet Underground. The group quickly moved to New York, where they became one of the cornerstones of the burgeoning underground music scene.

The Defining Encounter with Andy Warhol

Legendary artist Andy Warhol became a patron of The Velvet Underground in 1965. Under his influence, the group recorded their self-titled debut album in 1967. The album was praised for its blend of avant-garde rock, urban poetry and sound experiments.

Pioneer Albums and Controversy

The Velvet Underground recorded several groundbreaking albums, including “White Light/White Heat” (1968) and “The Velvet Underground” (1969). Their songs spoke about taboo subjects of the time, such as drugs, sexuality and marginality, which earned them controversy and cult status in the underground.

Lou Reed's Solo Career

Explores Lou Reed's solo career, marked by legendary albums and bold artistic innovations.

The Transition Towards a Solo Career

In 1970, Lou Reed left The Velvet Underground to begin a solo career. His first album, “Lou Reed” (1972), revealed an introspective musical style and lyrics, notably in the song “Perfect Day.”

Transforming Art into Music

In 1972, Lou Reed released “Transformer,” produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson. The album featured the iconic “Walk on the Wild Side,” a song that would become the anthem of an entire generation.

Experimenting with “Metal Machine Music”

In 1975, Lou Reed released “Metal Machine Music,” an experimental, noisy album that challenged musical conventions. This audacious project aroused strong reactions, ranging from perplexity to admiration.

The Words and Poetry of Lou Reed

Dive into the lyrical world of Lou Reed, an urban poet whose words captured the essence of city life, marginality, and alienation.

Writing and Poetic Inspiration

Lou Reed was a talented lyricist whose words were as cutting as they were heartfelt. His lyrics explore the darkest corners of human existence while embracing the hidden beauty of urban life.

The Legacy of Urban Poetry

Her songs are poignant tales of life on the streets of New York, stories of marginality, addiction, and despair, but also of hope and love. Lou Reed's work has been compared to the poetry of the Beat Generation and the dark realism of Charles Bukowski.

Universal Themes

Lou Reed's lyrics address universal themes such as identity, self-discovery, freedom, and rebellion. His songs, such as “Pale Blue Eyes” and “Heroin,” continue to move and resonate with wide audiences.

The Continuing Evolution of Lou Reed

Discover how Lou Reed evolved as an artist, from his sonic experiments to his inspiring collaborations.

Musical Exploration

Lou Reed has constantly explored new musical territories throughout his career. From the concept album “Berlin” (1973) to the exploration of alternative rock in the 1980s, he has maintained an unquenchable quest for innovation.

Collaboration with Laurie Anderson

In 2008, Lou Reed married experimental musician Laurie Anderson. Their artistic collaboration was a continuation of Lou Reed's artistic experimentation and produced daring works, notably the album “Lulu” (2011).

Social and Political Engagement

Lou Reed has not only used his music for artistic expression, but also for social and political engagement. He has been involved in causes such as LGBTQ+ rights and the fight against AIDS.