Musicians and fans were quick to react to news of Lou Reed’s death on Sunday, reflecting the widespread influence of the Velvet Underground founder.
Reed rarely achieved mainstream success during his long career but his influence on rock bands and other artists — from David Bowie to R.E.M. to Nirvana and beyond — that came after the Velvet Underground is hard to overstate.
The outpouring of sentiment on Twitter from actors, writers, directors, comedians and others outside of the music realm underscores the impact of Reed’s oeuvre, first with the Andy Warhol-associated Velvet Underground and during his long solo career.
During their mid-1960s-early 1970s run, the Velvet Underground’s record sales could be measured in the thousands. But a rock pundit once wisely observed that everyone who ever heard one of their albums went out and started a band.
R.I.P. Lou Reed. Finally walking on the wild side.
— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) October 27, 2013
May you forever walk on the wild side, Lou Reed. Terribly sad to hear of your passing.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) October 27, 2013
Wonder how many bullied gay/trans kids didn't kill themselves because Lou Reed's music gave 'em the badass attitude they needed to survive?
— Steve Silberman (@stevesilberman) October 27, 2013
“heavenly wine and roses…seem to whisper to me….when you smile ..” RIP Lou Reed
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) October 27, 2013
Lou Reed #RIP He made it gritty and raw and beautiful for everyone. #genius
— marc maron (@marcmaron) October 27, 2013
Damn. Lou Reed.
— Jorge Garcia (@jorgegarcia) October 27, 2013
Dear Lou Reed, please rest in peace.http://t.co/OGA0OjuTDt
— Feist (@FeistMusic) October 27, 2013
I put two of his songs in high fidelity- …Say a prayer for jimmy brown “@blessbabe: I wonder how @johncusack feels about Lou Reed…”
— John Cusack (@johncusack) October 27, 2013
RIP Lou Reed
"Walk on the Wild Side" is easily one of the ten best pop singles of the 20th century.
Listen to it again.
— Jon Cryer (@MrJonCryer) October 27, 2013
Thanks to Lou Reed for being a true original. So glad the world has his recordings. I know what I'll be doing the rest of the day.
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) October 27, 2013
19 yrs ago I had a poli sci final on a Wednesday. Tues night I had tix to concert I should've given up. I didn't. C- but I saw Lou Reed RIP
— Adam Horowitz (@AdamHorowitzLA) October 27, 2013
RIP Lou Reed. New York lost one of our greatest gifts today…
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) October 27, 2013
Lou reed. LEGEND
— norman reedus (@wwwbigbaldhead) October 27, 2013
Here is Lou Reed (1966), who died today: #Warhol pic.twitter.com/RoT6o0CPgZ
— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) October 27, 2013
Lou Reed forever defined the beautifully blue Sunday morning. It feels like a wry touch to hear the sad news about him at such a time.
— B.J. Novak (@bjnovak) October 27, 2013
R.I.P. Lou Reed. Just met at the GQ Awards. The music of my generation. Still Relevant!
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) October 27, 2013
A sad day in music. RIP Lou. http://t.co/fLCnLeOvRG
— josh groban (@joshgroban) October 27, 2013