Lou Reed Dies at 71

Very sad news to report as rock legend Lou Reed passed away today (Oct. 27) at the age of 71. While no cause of death has been reported, Reed did undergo a liver transplant back in the spring of this year.

Reed was an accomplished solo act for 40 years, best known for the song 'Walk on the Wild Side.' Prior to his solo career, he was the leader of the revolutionary and highly influential rock band the Velvet Underground, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. The Velvet Underground recorded such memorable songs as 'I'm Waiting for the Man,' 'Heroin,' 'Sweet Jane' and 'Rock & Roll.'

In 2011, Reed collaborated with Metallica on the album 'Lulu,' an experimental disc which failed to connect with critics and fans alike. However, it did show the wide range of Reed's influence on music in general.

Reed is survived by his wife Laurie Anderson, an experimental musician herself. We would like to send out our thoughts and condolences to Reed's friends and family.