Velvet Underground
by Chris Roberts
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Pub Date 20 Sep 2022 | Archive Date 15 Apr 2022
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Description
Over half a century since they exploded inevitably onto New York’s underground music and art scenes, the legacy and mythology of The Velvet Underground continues to resonate and grow, as new generations embrace their enigmatic command of the darkest strain of alternative cool. Lou Reed, John Cale, Nico, Sterling Morrison and Moe Tucker, with the naïve encouragement of Andy Warhol, created a world of music, words and scenes which blew up the notion of the peace-and-love sixties and tapped into a nocturnal milieu of art, literature, drugs, sex and decadence. Their albums survive as caustic classics, among the most influential records ever made.
Not only did author Chris Roberts interview the late Lou Reed three times, he was also once told, “Move – you are sitting on my coat” by the unmistakable voice of Nico, backstage at a gig. Here he recounts and celebrates the fascinating, multi-faceted story of perhaps the most mysterious and unique rock band ever to exist. A complex, contrary, clashing set of characters who came together to start fires while drawing down darkness, The Velvets’ legend will forever run run run.
US PUBLICATION: September 22, 2022
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781786751133 |
| PRICE | US$19.95 (USD) |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Mary H, Reviewer
A sensational history of the Velvet Underground, one of my favourite bands, and a Sixties band that featured Lou Reed and Nico, and some other band members. The connection to Andy Warhol is explained, and I learned a lot about the Velvets that I did not know before. I enjoyed listening to their music and now this book has increased my enjoyment. Highly recommended, especially for fans of the Velvets, but also for anyone who is interested in the alternative culture of the Sixties.
Wyn L, Reviewer
Chris Roberts has created a small but perfectly formed biography of The Velvet Underground, one of the most inscrutable bands ever. Loud, rough, atonal; influential and iconoclastic. There aren’t enough words to do the band justice.
Having personally met and interviewed Lou Reed three times, and even once accidentally sat on Nico’s coat, Roberts is eminently qualified to write this book, and it is an informative and sometimes shocking joy to read.
Contemporary photographs and ephemera set the scene, whilst archive and personal interviews with the band, many conducted by the author, offer an insight into the minds of the band members - Lou Reed (grouchy), Cale (Welsh), Moe Tucker (sensible), Sterling Morrison (the quiet one).
There is no shortage of books about The Velvet Underground, but few are as enjoyable as Chris Roberts’ one - it has the feel of a work by an insider. Knowledgable, drugged-up and funny as heck, this book is indispensable.
Iain K, Librarian
I could never describe myself as a fan of The Velvet Underground or even of Lou Reed although I do own 1 album of each in my vinyl collection. This book was therefore quite good for someone like me to be able to gain more of an understanding as to what they were all about as well as what was going on in their world at the time. The author certainly seems to know his stuff coming across as being genuinely knowledgeable about the personalities within the band as opposed to regurgitating 2nd hand tales and hearsay. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my advance review copy of this most enjoyable and informative book.
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