LOU REED: Before The Velvets & Why Lou is Lou

I remember getting the album Transformer when I was a kid (I had a paper route and joined the RCA record club) I didn't really understand the lyrics or how controversial Lou really was at the time to be completely honest but really loved the album and got into Lous music because it was so different and cool. I was probably the only Lou Reed fan from Utah and still think Lou was the greatest.

My name is Holly, and in 1973 I was hitchhiking around with my girlfriend/lover, Jackie. We sure loved Lou.

Lou had artistic integrity, something most in the music industry DONT have and will NEVER have. He never sold out to Hollywood or Mammon. a truly unique and rare artist.

“I can’t argue with an idiot. It’s like talking to a squirrel.” Timeless wisdom.

Thanks for this, I bought the first VU album when I was 14. It changed my whole view on life, I saw him live 4 years later in Belfast supporting U2 in ‘87. U2 should have been supporting him, he blew them away. One of the great artists.

Watched half so far. This is so well done. I'm learning so much. Fascinating footage. His interviews are cracking me up!!!! I had never seen those. I'll check out the other half later today or tomorrow. Thanks for doing this, Steve.

Why doesn't this video have 100's of thousands of views? Excellent job. And your voice is a pleasure to listen to.

In 1989 while I was on Dead tour and in NYC, my girlfriend and I walked in the city and not knowing where we were going, ended up stopping at eating at a place near 5th ave where all the 3 card monty guys and fake Rolexes are. Anyway, Lou was in there with a redhead. On his way out he put his hand on our shoulders and asked if the Dead were in town. We said yeah but we missed yesterday's shows but will be there tonight. Ok, then have a good time kids....then left. He was so cool and in a good mood obviously :)

Brilliant Steve.....enjoyed all of this, and learned many things I never knew about Lou and VU. I wish it kept on going. Great research and info and presentation of course. I hope the VC enjoys this as much as I did.

Wow, I can’t believe I stumbled on this treasure!! Thank you!!

Wonderful research, cool assembled photographs and footage with a terrific performance by you, Steve. I just knew that you would nail it. I learned a great deal. Thank you! Rock On. - Heather

My very first concert. The Berlin tour. September 1973, Sheffield City Hall, England.

I'm a photographer and I just sit here editing photos and listening to your excellent docs, one after another. Just amazing man. I love the passion, and of course hearing the stories in an unglazed way. Very real and enjoyable to listen to. Thank you for these.

That was the best documentary on Lou that I've ever seen bar none. Well played sir!

This doc is great. It covers a lot of ground with no wasted baggage. The minimalist production values suit the subject matter perfectly. Kudos!

I love that beginning interview so much! He never ceases to make me laugh w/ his wit and brilliance. What you mentioned about, ‘garbage interviews/interviewees’, is spot on! I’m exasperated by their ridiculous questions myself! Can’t imagine what they expected when they asked certain questions! Lol! Lou is so brilliant and to me, a great rock n’ roller! Always! Thanks Flipside!

This is a real treat man, thanks

Great job. The combination of the images and clips with your narration really held my interest.

Super cool video! Really appreciate you making this. He was definitely problematic, but that doesn't take away from the revolutionary quality of his work.

Just saw this....love it! Bravo! I used to use a tech called Harry Colby around 7th Ave and 28th?...anyway, I was coming up the elevator in the building to pick up a reel-to-reel tape machine and I hear this guitar playing through the elevator shaft and oddly I thought to myself "it sounds like Lou Reed" not because of what he was playing but the way he was playing. I walk into the shop and there are Lou and Robert Quine hanging out checking a Fender amp Harry had modified. Harry introduces me and I still remember the first thing I said to Lou after telling them what a pleasure it was to meet them. I said, something like "I have to tell you I absolutely love Berlin it is one of my favorite albums"...he seemed really pleased...now I know why! New York still makes me fn weep everytime I listen to it ...RIP Lou