Guitarist Lou Reed has undergone a liver transplant at the Ohio Cleveland Clinic in the United States. At 71 years old the operation has been hard on Reed and according to his wife, while he is not yet back to full strength he is on his way. This development in Reed’s life should hardly come as a shock to fans, as Reed has spoken publicly about his past alcohol and drug use and has produced drug ballads such as “Heroin” and “I’m Waiting for the Man” during his days as part of the group The Velvet Underground.
Fans should have also taken the hint that not all was well with Reed after he cancelled his Coachella gig along with many of his engagements this past April. While Reed offered little explanation for these cancellations it is now clear that his reasons almost certainly coincided with his illness.
At this point, all fans can do is hope that he will be feeling well enough to hit the road.