The Velvet Underground
Rock band formed in 1964 in New York City. Members Lou Reed (vocals guitar, piano, keyboards), John Cale (organ, bass, guitar, keyboards, viola, vocals), Sterling Morrison (guitar, bass, vocals) and Maureen Tucker (bass, percussion) went on to record four studio recordings with Lou Reed: White Light/White Heat (1967), The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967), The Velvet Underground (1969) and Loaded (1970). In 1965 artist and pop icon Andy Warhol caught one of their gigs and shortly after took over management and of the band, incorporating them into his mixed-media/performance art ensemble, the Exploding Plastic Inevitable. By 1966 he had produced their debut album. They became part of the “scene” in the early 60's at Warhol's studio dubbed “The Factory” where such notable guests as Bob Dylan, Allen Ginsberg, Gregory Corso, Bob Neuwirth and Patti Smith visited.
Always ahead of their time, the Velvet Underground experienced little commercial success, but they were and are highly appreciated by a cult audience that continues to grow today. Artists such as Patti Smith, Brian Eno and David Bowie make no secret of the influence the Velvet Underground has had on them. Brian Eno once said that even though hardly anyone bought the Velvet's records at the time they appeared, almost everyone who did formed their own bands.
The Wallflowers havecovered The Velvet Underground song "Pale Blue Eyes" (Pittsburgh Post Gazette 6.11.93) and have reportedly also performed a version of "Sweet Jane" - a song that some music reviewers feel was an influence to The Wallflowers song, "Three Marlenas".
