Lou Reed is undeniably the emblematic figure of The Velvet Underground. Although the band’s influence wouldn’t have been as profound without the input of John Cale, Nico, Mo Tucker, and Sterling Morrison, it is Reed, with his distinctive songwriting approach and revolutionary persona, who stands out as the most iconic member in the annals of the band.
Reed’s unexpected exit from The Velvet Underground was quite shocking given the significant influence his contributions had on the band. He joined the group as one of its original members in 1964, but chose to part ways in 1970, which was two years before the band ultimately disbanded. There were many factors that led Reed to leave at that particular time, and he was open about these reasons in the subsequent decades.
Lou Reed quit the band in 1970
Firstly, Reed is feeling frustrated with the Velvet Underground’s limited commercial success. Despite receiving critical acclaim and being recognized as one of the most impactful musical groups of the 60s, they were unable to achieve a hit single. In an effort to gain commercial traction, Reed decided to venture out on his own.
It became more difficult when Reed’s bonds with the band members were weakening. He found himself in conflict with Velvet Underground manager Steve Sesnick, and Doug Yule, who joined the band in 1968, felt that Sesnick’s actions exacerbated Reed’s misery. As the singer put it, “Lou had relied on him for emotional support, trusted him, but Sesnick essentially told Lou ‘I don’t need you.’
Later than expected, Reed departed from The Velvet Underground just prior to the launch of their album “Loaded”. To his frustration, he found out that one of his lyrics, “Sweet Jane”, had been deleted. Moreover, he harbored resentment towards Yule for persisting in releasing music under the same band name until 1973. Eventually, Reed embarked on a solo career and achieved the commercial success he aimed for with the album “Transformer” in 1972.
Reed reformed the band in the 1990s
Although Tucker and Morrison left the Velvet Underground before Reed, it was Reed who fueled the creative drive behind their occasional reunions in the 1990s. The original lineup of the band, comprising Reed, Tucker, Morrison, and John Cale, collaborated for a series of tours; however, disagreements between Reed and Cale (the cause of Cale’s dismissal from the band in 1968) resulted in another breakup in 1996.
In 1996, The Velvet Underground became part of the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but unfortunately, members Nico and Doug Yule were not included in this recognition. Frontman Lou Reed went on to create music on his own until his passing in 2013.
Read More
- POPCAT PREDICTION. POPCAT cryptocurrency
- Who Is Finn Balor’s Wife? Vero Rodriguez’s Job & Relationship History
- General Hospital Cast: List of Every Actor Who Is Joining in 2025
- The White Lotus’ Aimee Lou Wood’s ‘Teeth’ Comments Explained
- Presence Digital, 4K, Blu-ray, & DVD Release Dates Set for Lucy Liu Horror Movie
- Roxanne Perez Addresses Cora Jade Tension Ahead of WWE NXT Vengeance Day 2025
- Leaked Video Scandal Actress Shruthi Makes Bold Return at Film Event in Blue Saree
- Beauty in Black Part 2 Trailer Previews Return of Tyler Perry Netflix Show
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson James Bond Casting Never Had ‘Any Real Movement’
- Kingdom Come Deliverance 2: How To Clean Your Horse
2025-04-17 23:00