Lou Reed's Motorcycles
Lou Reed was a legendary musician because he was an innovator, a watcher and an influencer of so many. At some point in life, everyone has or will meet a Lou Reed song and be seduced through the door of his universe, his poetry, his point of view. For me it was 'Walk on the Wild Side' (1972).
Reed got things started as the lead singer of the Velvet Underground. He died Sunday, October 27th, 2013 in New York City of liver failure at the age of 71.
The Velvet Underground's influence on rock, art rock and punk was memorably summed up by Brian Eno's observation that although the first album may have sold only 30,000 copies in its first few years, "everyone who bought one ... started a band". The Guardian
Lou Reed Legendary Hearts Helmet 1983
Lou Reed's music and his 1984 Kawasaki GPz 900
It's impossible to sum Lou Reed's prolific music career and his impact on rock and roll, for that, I leave it up to Rolling Stone.
What I do know is cool people ride motorcycles - so no surprise Lou Reed was into bikes. His Legendary Hearts album (1983) is said to pay homage to his beloved 1984 Kawasaki GPz 900.
In 1984 Lou released the album "New Sensations" and in the video for "I Love You Suzanne", he rides his motorcycle. Then, in the title track and last song called "New Sensations" he confesses and professed his love for his Kawasaki GPz.
I took my GPz out for a ride, the engine felt good between my thighs
The air felt cool, it was 40 degrees outside.
I rode to Pennsylvania near the Delaware Gap, sometimes I got lost and had to check the map
I stopped at a roadside diner, for a burger and a coke
There were some country folk and some hunters inside,
Somebody got themselves married, and somebody died
I went to the jukebox and played a hillbilly song
They was arguing about football as I waved and went outside
And I headed for the mountains feeling warm inside
I love that GPz so much you know I could kiss her.
Kawasaki GPz 900R 1989
Lou Reed Legendary Hearts album cover 1983
Honda Elite Ad
Of course, in the 80s, Lou Reed like myself was seduced by a Honda Elite. In fact, where I grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, I was pretty much the only nut (I mean super cool person) who had one.
Lou Reed Honda Elite Advert
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Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Lou positioned himself as an antisocial rock and roll freak who inserted himself into every movement and rock and roll subculture of his lifetime. He played hard and from what I've read, he lived harder trying everything twice!
Lou Reed walk on the wild side
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Lou Reed Mar 2,1942 - Oct 27, 2013
Lou Reed's death is a good reminder that life is for living, loving and riding motorcycles π. Seems to me that the last thing Lou would want is to 'Rest In Peace', so I hope you're rocking out and I hope I remember to do the same.
Doo do doo, doo do doo, doo do doo
Lou Reed shut the door
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