Unknown Soldier

Despite all his influence none of Velvet Underground`s singles or albums charted in the US or UK top 100 at the time of their release, so yer he was a pioneer but nowhere near as effective as say a manager like Peter Grant was with Zeppelin (I know there were others before him but he first came into my head) and he really knew how to sell that band. The Velvet Underground fame came much later when Lou Reed`s solo career took off and the Velvet Underground were finally discovered. It could be safe to say, that if Lou Reed hadn`t become famous the Velvet Underground would probably still be a band that hardly anybody knows.

Necromancer

I personally think that they (VU) sounded awful, and are "way" overrated. I just cant find myself to respect the band for their contribution. I don't see the musical influence and contribution that they've (supposedly) made.

Maybe I just don't "hear" it?

Urban Hat€monger ?

I don't really like them a great deal either but if you were an 80s indie band it was mandatory that you cover There She Goes Again at some point in your career.

Bowie was regularly covering their songs when they were still together and they also had loads of attention in the media due to the Warhol connection. Just because they didn't sell a huge amount of records doesn't mean they weren't known about. Loads of bands get loads of press attention that never really translates into record sales, VU were one of those bands.

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Unknown Soldier

They`re certainly overrated and also sound very dated but they still laid down the schematics for lack of better word for a whole load of indie acts. As for Nico`s singing......well thats just so bad that it defies belief!!!

I own their first two albums of which I said their second is a a great album, I never listen to them though...but I suppose they give my CD collection some credibility, especially if anybody sees all my Survivor and Journey albums and then thinks oh my god!!! They can then see my two Velvet Underground albums and then think hey he`s got some taste

Excuse the pun but isn`t that what influential underground bands are all about.

TockTockTock

I agree (as does Lou Reed). He fed them, gave them shelter, and helped finance the making of their debut album.

Wrong... Warhol had nothing to do with the creation of VU other than including Nico in their lineup. What happened was was that he discovered them in 1965 at Cafe Bizarre and became interested in what they were doing... So, he took them in...

Explain please...

He had absolutely no influence on their music. All he did was give them complete artistic freedom. If the record company wanted to change something, he wouldn't let them. That's it... (there's no controversy).

I understand... I thought they were absolute shit originally, but I eventually warmed up to their music... and now I'm an avid fan. And yea... they are overrated to some extent.

Think about it this way... without the Velvet Underground, there would be no indie/alternative rock. They were also one of the pioneers in art rock, experimental rock, and noise rock.

Necromancer

You basically concurred exactly what I was originally saying in the first place.

No Response needed.

Unknown Soldier

Well this video by the Cars proves your point perfectly. Here is one Andy Warhol 1:48 mins into the song, just showing everybody his great ability and influence on pop culture and video, with his amazing ability behind the bar and fuck he can`t even remember his lines


The Cars Hello Again (Official Music Video) - YouTube

Urban Hat€monger ?

I don't ever remember making any claim otherwise.

I was just disputing your claim that nobody had heard of them until Lou Reed went solo.

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Necromancer

And I have to retract a statement I earlier made concerning Bruce Springsteen.

I just seen Melissa Etheridge perform Springsteen "Born To Run", playing an acoustic 12-string, and didn't miss a note! Wow..

I will admit I don't give Bruce Springsteen's (song writing) music ability as much credit as I should sometimes.

(Melissa Etheridge-Born To Run) Concert For New York, commemorating Sept. 11th.

The Goo, Goo Dolls were awesome. And now finally.."The Who".

These Live Concerts commemorating the victims of September 11th. All..seem to be outstanding performances by all the artist themselves.

TockTockTock

I believe that most of VU's popularity came from musicians constantly naming them as an influence, such as The Stooges, David Bowie, and countless indie bands...

Reed's solo career certainly helped, though. I'll give you that.