Rock Legend Lou Reed Has Passed Away at 71

Legendary songwriter and guitarist Lou Reed passed away today on Long Island, New York. Pushing the envelope to rock music for over five decades, Lou Reed’s contribution to the genre cannot be undermined. Launching his career in the ’60s with Velvet Underground, Reed stood behind the seminal era of New York’s punk scene in addition to partaking in Andy Warhol’s Exploding Plastic Inevitable series. After leaving the band in 1970, Reed embarked on his solo career, producing progressive-rock and collaborating with the likes of David Bowie and Metallica to continue to redefine rock. The cause of his death has yet to be confirmed, but the musician underwent a liver transplant back in May this year.