Lou Reed died on Sunday (Oct 27th) of an ailment following a liver transplant earlier this year in May (2013).

The unfortunate death occurred in Long Island, USA.

Reed is widely considered as a massively influential singer/song-writer and musician in rock music for the past 5 decades, but oddly enough only managed one top 20 hit in all his career. 

Reed's first band, The Velvet Underground, were considered a commercial fail during its early years but the New York City rockers eventually garnered a cult following and has gone on to become one of the most influential bands of its genre.

Rolling Stone named their debut album 'The Velvet Underground & Nico' the 13th greatest album of all time in 2003 and they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

Lou split from the band in 1970 and went on to have a successful solo career which included huge hits such as 'Walk on the Wild Side' and 'Perfect Day'.

Reed was a heavy presence in rock throughout its transition from the 70s, 80s and 90s with acts such as Nirvana, David Bowie and REM covering several of his songs.

Reed released 20 studio albums as a solo artist with his last coming in 2007 called 'Hudson River Wind Meditations'.

He is survived by his 2nd wife, performing artist, Laurie Anderson. She told the London Times back in June of this year the severity of her husband's liver condition, "I don't think he'll ever totally recover from this, but he'll certainly be back to doing [things] in a few months."

Tributes on twitter came pouring in from fellow musicians and celebrities alike.

British rock band 'The Who' posted on their official twitter, "R.I.P. Lou Reed. Walk on the peaceful side."

British comedian Ricky Gervais commented "RIP Lou Reed. One of the greatest artists of our time."

Tom Morello of 'Rage Against The Machine' and 'Audioslave' also took to twitter and posted, "My intro to Lou Reed/Velvet Underground was Janes Addiction cover of 'Rock n Roll'. He was a singular, unique talent. RIP Lou and thanks."

It is clear the influence Reed had on musicians in the last half century and it shows he is leaving behind one of the greatest Rock n Roll legacies.

RIP Lou Reed

lou reed
Lou Reed died aged 71 on sunday (Oct 27th)