11 Rare Vintage Photos of Lou Reed

The late Lou Reed is celebrated as one of the most influential musicians of our time. The New York native got his start with The Velvet Underground in the 1960s, later leaving to start his solo career in music. Throughout his decades making music, Reed put out over 20 studio albums, collaborated with famous names such as David Bowie and Andy Warhol, and was even inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.

Today, the iconic musician is remembered for his unmatched talent, boundary-pushing style and, of course, his music. From images of Reed with fellow music legends like Iggy Pop, Debbie Harry, and Patti Smith to behind-the-scenes shots taken by legendary photographer Mick Rock, here are 11 rare vintage photos of Lou Reed.

“Venus in Furs”

Reed is pictured here in 1965 with his Velvet Underground band members performing their song “Venus in Furs.” The tune was inspired by a book of the same name by Austrian writer Leopold von Sacher-Masoch.

A Perfect Day

The rocker was photographed in London in 1972—the same year he famously released his hit song “Perfect Day.” The tune was produced by David Bowie, whom Reed became friends with one year earlier, and English musician Mick Ronson.

With Patti Smith

Musician and writer Patti Smith is pictured here with Reed while out and about. Smith shared in a 1997 interview with PBS that Reed and his band inspired her as a young girl growing up in New Jersey.

Coney Island Baby

Reed posed for photographer Michael Ochs for this great shot. The two worked together to create the cover image for his album Coney Island Baby. The album received a Grammy nomination for Best Album Package but lost to Chicago.

A Famous Manager

Reed is pictured here with artist Andy Warhol in the late ’70s. Warhol first met Reed and the rest of the Velvet Underground in the 1960s and then became the band’s manager and producer. However, Reed fired Warhol after just a few years of working together.

New York City Radio

The singer poses for a photo while visiting a New York City radio station. The famous Velvet Underground musician spent most of his life in New York, having been born in Long Island and later moving to Manhattan in his early 20s.

Bleach Blonde

At one point during the 1970s, Reed decided to change his look up by shaving and bleaching his hair, as seen here.

Out at Elaine’s

The musician was spotted outside of Elaine’s in New York City in the early ’80s. Located on the Upper East Side, Elaine’s was one of the city’s most iconic restaurants and was a hangout for many celebrities throughout its decades-long tenure. The spot closed in 2011.

Mick Rock Collab

Reed was snapped by legendary photographer Mick Rock in 1981 wearing a patterned onesie and pink scarf. Rock also famously photographed Ozzy Osbourne, David Bowie, and Bob Marley, just to name a few.

Famous Friends

Reed is pictured here with fellow rockers Chris Stein and Debbie Harry. Harry first crossed paths with Reed decades earlier when she went to see the Velvet Underground perform at a venue called The Balloon Farm in Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

Out and About in the 1980s

During the ’80s, Reed released tons of new music, including his acclaimed solo albums The Blue Mask and New Sensations. Reed poses here in New York City.

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