Velvet Underground icon Lou Reed dead at 71, report says NEW YORK, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Famed U.S. singer-songwriter and guitarist Lou Reed has died, Variety reported Sunday. He was 71. The entertainment industry trade newspaper did not immediately disclose where the former Velvet Underground front man died or what the cause of his death was. The rock icon underwent a liver transplant last May and was hospitalized during the summer for dehydration. Born Lewis Allan "Lou" Reed in Brooklyn, N.Y., the "Walk on the Wild Side" musician is survived by his wife, performance artist Laurie Anderson, Rolling Stone magazine said.