Rock legend Lou Reed dies aged 71

Lou Reed, one of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century and co-founder of rock band the Velvet Underground, died Sunday in New York State at the age of 71. (considering reversing this, Date/Person/Place) The Velvet Underground frontman, who was a hard drinker and drug user for many years, underwent a liver transplant in May this year. Reed's literary agent, Andrew Wiley, confirmed the death was caused by an ailment related to the transplant; however, the exact cause of death has not been revealed. Reed's wife Laurie Anderson, whom he married in 2008, said after Reed's operation earlier this year, "I don't think he'll ever totally recover from this." Reed taught himself how to play the guitar during his high school years by listening to the radio and went on to begin the indie-rock movement of the 1960s. Reed is recognised as having introduced avant- garde rock to mainstream music, despite not achieving the popularity and success of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Reed's work had a significant influence on the alternative rock genre which followed, with his music covered by Nirvana, Patti Smith, and R.E.M.. Former bandmate, John Cale said, "The world has lost a fine song writer and poet". Reed's lyrics often had a poetic basis and largely expanded the realm of rock lyrics, with Reed commenting (is this all necessary?)"If you look note- by- note, word by word, subject by subject, my idea was essentially: What would happen if you had the lyrics of Tennessee Williams or William Burroughs and you put it in a rock context? That was my idea, and I was trying to write up to that." Fans of the artist joined his music industry peers in an outpour on social media, honouring the New York singer. David Bowie said of Reed: "He was a master", while co-founder of Def Jam records Russell Simmons wrote "New York lost one of our greatest gifts today." Reed curated Sydney's Vivid Live Festival in 2010 and the Sydney Opera House thanked the rockstar "for bringing your knowledge and noise to the Opera House stage." Reed remained in contact with his fans through Twitter until his last day. His last post was link to a poster of him on a closed door. Reed is survived by his wife, musician Laurie Anderson.