Few musicians were more closely associated with Lou Reed than David Bowie and John Cale. Both artists released statements yesterday (Oct. 27) upon hearing of Reed’s death.

Bowie produced Reed’s groundbreaking 1972 album, ‘Transformer,’ which included the hit ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ and two other of his most beloved songs, ‘Perfect Day’ and ‘Satellite of Love.’ Bowie’s Facebook page featured a photo of the two old friends at a formal event with the status update, “R.I.P. LOU REED. It is with great sadness that we report the death of Lou Reed who died today aged 71. (March 2, 1942 – October 27, 2013). David Bowie said of his old friend: ‘He was a master.’”

Cale founded the Velvet Underground with Reed in 1964. He left in in 1968, but the duo worked again in 1990 for ‘Songs for Drella,’ a tribute to their mentor Andy Warhol, which led to a reunion tour in 1993. Cale wrote on Facebook, “The world has lost a fine songwriter and poet…I’ve lost my ‘school-yard buddy.” Later that day, he expanded on his grief in a separate statement.

The news I feared the most, pales in comparison to the lump in my throat and the hollow in my stomach. Two kids have a chance meeting and 47 years later we fight and love the same way —losing either one is incomprehensible. No replacement value, no digital or virtual fill…broken now, for all time. Unlike so many with similar stories—we have the best of our fury laid out on vinyl, for the world to catch a glimpse. The laughs we shared just a few weeks ago, will forever remind me of all that was good between us.

 

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