The Velvet Underground was an American rock band formed in New York City in 1964. The original line-up consisted of singer/guitarist Lou Reed, multi-instrumentalist John Cale, guitarist Sterling Morrison, and drummer Angus MacLise. MacLise was replaced by Moe Tucker in 1965, who played on most of the band's recordings. Their integration of rock and the avant-garde achieved little commercial success during the group's existence, but they are now recognized as one of the most influential bands in rock, underground, experimental, and alternative music. The group's provocative subject matter, musical experiments, and often nihilistic attitudes also proved influential in the development of punk rock and new wave music. Originally, the group performed under a number of names before settling on The Velvet Underground in 1965.
| Also known as | The Warlocks, The Falling Spikes |
| Origin | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Genres | Art rock, proto-punk, avant-garde, experimental rock |
| Years active | 1964–1973, 1990, 1992–1993, 1996 |
| Labels | Verve, Atlantic, Polydor, MGM, Mercury, Cotillion |
| Associated acts | Nico, Theatre of Eternal Music |
| Past members | Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison, Angus MacLise, Moe Tucker, Doug Yule, Walter Powers, Willie Alexander |
About The Velvet Underground
Experimental, avant-garde rock group notable for their provocative act and nihilistic attitudes which influenced punk rock. They were active from 1964-1973, and made brief comebacks in 1990, 1992, 1993 and 1996.
Achievement of The Velvet Underground
The group was briefly managed by Andy Warhol. Rolling Stone called their debut album The Velvet Underground & Nico the "most prophetic rock album ever made," and named them #19 on the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" list in 2004.
Top Facts You Did Not Know About The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground Category.. Lou Reed.. Andy Warhol.. Performance art in New York City.. Protopunk groups.. MGM Records artists.. American experimental rock groups.. Sire Records artists.. Verve Records artists.. Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winners.. Polydor Records artists.. Musical groups from New York City.
Latest information about The Velvet Underground updated on July 28 2021.
