Today would have been Lou Reed’s 74th birthday!

Born and bred in New York, Lou Reed really got the gist of the city – the beauty, the ugliness, the loneliness. While I LOVE The Velvet Underground (especially Nico’s deep voice and strong German accent), I can’t help but prefer Mr. Reed’s solo stuff. I was lucky enough to see him live in Vienna in the summer of 2008, when he performed his whole “Berlin” album with an orchestre. He even played “Satellite of Love” (on the record you can hear Bowie going “bum bum bum” in the background) and one of my all-time favourites “Sweet Jane”.

When you’re all alone and lonely
In your midnight hour
And you find that your soul
It’s been up for sale 

Me on Coney Island, in front of the Wonder Wheel, March 2012.

And all your two-bit friends
Have gone and ripped you off

Ahhh, but remember that the city is a funny place

In Lou Reed’s arms, Vienna, July 2008. *sigh* I was but a (Coney Island) baby then!

RIP Mr. Reed, thanks for everything!