In honor of what would have marked Lou Reed‘s 82nd birthday on Saturday, Keith Richards has shared a new cover of the classic “I’m Waiting for the Man”. The Velvet Underground cover will appear on a forthcoming tribute to the band’s late leader, The Power of the Heart: A Tribute to Lou Reed, out April 20th via Light in the Attic Records as a Record Store Day exclusive.
The Rolling Stones guitarist’s version of “I’m Waiting for the Man” plays up the song’s inherent bluesy strut. Richards doesn’t sing the song so much as speak it, delivering the lyrics with the life experience necessary to pull off the cover with hard-won authenticity. Rolling Stones drummer Steve Jordan and frequent Richards collaborator Ivan Neville (keyboards) join Keef in the studio for this no-frills take on the standout from the Velvet’s 1967 debut, The Velvet Underground & Nico.
“To me, Lou stood out. The real deal!” Richards said in a statement. “Something important to American music and to ALL MUSIC! I miss him and his dog.”
In addition to Richards, The Power of the Heart features tributes from Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Rufus Wainwright, Rosanne Cash, The Afghan Whigs, Lucinda Williams, Rickie Lee Jones, Angel Olsen, and more. The 12-track album spans Reed’s monolithic career, from early classics “I’m Waiting for the Man” and “Perfect Day” to solo staples “Walk on the Wild Side”, “I’m So Free”, “Sally Can’t Dance”, through latter-era gems “Legendary Hearts” and “New Sensations”, and more. The album takes its name from the deep cut “The Power of the Heart”, which Reed wrote in 2008 for his wedding with Laurie Anderson, who helped curate the tribute. The song’s only official release was on the Love compilation by the Cartier Foundation, though Peter Gabriel did include a cover of it on his 2010 album Scratch My Back.
Watch Keith Richards cover “I’m Waiting for the Man” by Lou Reed from The Power of the Heart, available at independent music stores across the U.S. on Record Store Day. Scroll down for the tracklist and album artwork. Keef will head out on the road with the Stones this spring/summer for a U.S. tour. Find tickets and a full list of tour dates here.
Keith Richards – “I’m Waiting For The Man” (Lou Reed) [Official Video]
