Wild Side Facts About Lou Reed, Music’s Artistic Auteur
Lou Reed is one of the most influential musicians of all time. Known for his transgressive lyrics and experimental songwriting, Reed’s artistic reputation propped up a life of darkness, debauchery, and depression.
1. Tyranny Reigned In His House
Lou Reed was born March 2, 1942, in Brooklyn. He described his home life as living under an overbearing, controlling, “tyrannical” father, Toby. Toby set strict household rules and yelled when his orders were not respected. Lou would disregard his father often—but that’s not all.
By his sister’s account, the younger Reed was just as tyrannical as his father, often acting out and throwing tantrums when he didn’t get his way. It was something of a contrast to his early high school persona.
2. He Began In A Different Genre
In a surprising twist, considering his future success in the world of avant-garde music, Lou Reed joined a doo-wop band in high school, later claiming that the wholesome genre was his first musical love. Already a competent musician, Reed recorded a doo-wop song with his band, the Shades, on which he played guitar and sang. He was clearly talented, but there was a tragic side to him even then.
3. He Suffered Poor Mental Health
Reed’s sister painted a picture of a difficult teenage life for her brother. According to her, the young Lou suffered from social anxiety, finding it difficult to make friends. He would often withdraw in social situations, spent most of his time locked in his room, and even began suffering from panic attacks. Lou would soon find comfort in all the wrong places.
4. He Adopted A Harmful Coping Mechanism
By age 16, Lou Reed had begun experimenting with illicit substances, a habit that would characterize most of his adult life and persona too.
He refused to speak to his parents when they voiced their concern, and the only other place he found solace was in music. But music couldn’t save him from an oncoming crisis.
