Doctors Couldn’t Save Reed From Liver Failure
Lou Reed’s doctor has confirmed the icon died after nothing more could be done to treat his liver problems.
The Velvet Underground icon passed away on Sunday aged 71. He had undergone a liver transplant in April after years of drug abuse caused irreparable damage to his system. He revealed the news in June and told fans: “I am a triumph of modern medicine, physics and chemistry. I am bigger and stronger than ever.”
But he’d returned to hospital for further treatment last week. Dr Charles Miller, who performed the transplant and was looking after Reed in his final days, tells the New York Times: “We all agreed that we did everything we could.”
Knowing the end was near, Reed opted to leave hospital and return home. His final Facebook post was a picture showing a poster of himself pasted to a door with the words “Papa loves Baby” scrawled beneath. The caption read simply: “The Door.”
Meanwhile, his old friend David Bowie and Velvet Underground bandmate John Cale are among those to have paid tribute to the influential musician and his career. Among the many comments are:
David Bowie: He was a master.
John Cale: The world has lost a fine songwriter and poet… I’ve lost my school-yard buddy.
Nikki Sixx: Thank you for your beautiful, dark lyrics/music and stance on life. You inspired me from my teenage years right up till today.
Iggy Pop: Devastating news.
Juliette Lewis: One of a kind magic street soul, who created a future and history. I’m sad.
Gun: Inspirational, unique and pioneering are just some words to describe him. Sorely missed.
Billy Morrison: Completely saddened by news of Lou Reed’s death. His music shaped and moved me. Playing with him in NYC will always be a beautiful memory.
Mark E Smith: Sad to hear about the passing away of Lou Reed. Big Fall fan, excellent squash player.
Pixies: RIP Lou Reed… a legend.
Tom Morello: My intro to Lou Reed was Jane’s Addiction’s cover of Rock’n’Roll. He was a singular, unique talent. RIP and thanks.
Stiff Little Fingers: Totally saddened to hear of the passing of Lou Reed. One of the true originals.
Garbage: Lou Reed RIP. With love and gratitude, always.
Glenn Hughes: RIP Lou Reed… one of a kind innovator… Imitated by many…
Steven Tyler: RIP to a great friend a fellow musician. From maxes to the masses you made the world sing. I love you Lou!
Guns N’ Roses: “I’m an artist and I can be as egotistical as I want to be” RIP Lou Reed
Flea: I love Lou Reed so much. Always.