The Velvet Underground

American rock band

The Velvet Underground is an American rock band. It was founded in 1964.

The Velvet Underground
by Billy Name, 1968
by Billy Name, 1968
Background information
Also known asThe Warlocks, The Falling Spikes
OriginNew York City, New York
GenresArt rock, experimental rock, rock and roll, protopunk,
Years active1964-1973, 1990, 1992-1994, 1996
LabelsVerve, MGM, Atlantic, Polydor, Mercury, Sire
Past member(s)Lou Reed
John Cale
Sterling Morrison
Angus MacLise
Maureen Tucker
Doug Yule
Walter Powers
Willie Alexander

The original line-up was Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison and Maureen Tucker. They were discovered by the famous artist, Andy Warhol, who produced and designed the cover for their first album The Velvet Underground and Nico, which paired them with another discovery of his, German model/singer, Nico. The album was never really a hit, but it is now considered a classic.

Later, the group broke up with Warhol and Nico after being a part of Andy Warhol's Factory for a while. The group released several more albums, White Light/White Heat (1967), The Velvet Underground (1969) and Loaded (1970), before finally breaking up. Lou Reed later had a successful solo career and is considered one of the founders of the "punk" movement.

Discography change

Studio albums

References change