This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24697765

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Lou Reed, Velvet Underground frontman, dies at 71 Lou Reed, Velvet Underground frontman, dies at 71
(35 minutes later)
US musician and Velvet Underground frontman Lou Reed has died at the age of 71.US musician and Velvet Underground frontman Lou Reed has died at the age of 71.
The singer-songwriter, whose best-known hits included Perfect Day and Walk On The Wild Side, was considered one of the most influential in rock music.The singer-songwriter, whose best-known hits included Perfect Day and Walk On The Wild Side, was considered one of the most influential in rock music.
The Velvet Underground became known for their fusion of art and music and collaborating with Andy Warhol.The Velvet Underground became known for their fusion of art and music and collaborating with Andy Warhol.
The cause of death is unknown. But a spokesman told the BBC a statement would be released shortly. According to the Associated Press news agency, Reed's literary agent said he died of a "liver-related ailment".
An admitted hard drinker and drug user for many years, Reed underwent a liver transplant in May this year after he had cancelled five California concert dates scheduled in April. A spokesman told the BBC a statement would be released shortly.
An admitted hard drinker and drug user for many years, Reed underwent a liver transplant in May this year after cancelling five California concert dates scheduled in April.
"I am a triumph of modern medicine," Reed posted on his website on 1 June."I am a triumph of modern medicine," Reed posted on his website on 1 June.
"I look forward to being on stage performing, and writing more songs to connect with your hearts and spirits and the universe well into the future.""I look forward to being on stage performing, and writing more songs to connect with your hearts and spirits and the universe well into the future."
The Velvet Underground never achieved much commercial success, but revolutionized rock and punk in the 1960s and '70s and their popularity grew in the subsequent decades. The Velvet Underground never achieved much commercial success, but their influence on music in later decades was widely recognised.
Punk, glam and alternative rock movements of the 1970s, '80s and '90s were all indebted to Reed, whose songs were covered by the likes of REM, David Bowie, Nirvana, Patti Smith and countless others.
Music producer Brian Eno once reflected their influence saying: "The first Velvet Underground album only sold 10,000 copies, but everyone who bought it formed a band."
The band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.The band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.
After quitting Velvet Underground in 1970 Reed released his self-titled debut in 1972, but it wasn't until the Bowie produced album Transformer later that year - which featured both Perfect Day and Walk on the Wild Side - that brought him chart success.
As a solo artist he released 20 studio albums, with his last album, Hudson River Wind Meditations, released in 2007.
He is survived by his second wife, the musician and performing artist, Laurie Anderson.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditions