The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground & Nico

"(The) most prophetic rock album ever made" - Rolling Stone

While the debut album of The Velvet Underground sold no more than 30,000 in 5 years, it has proven to be one of the most influential rock albums ever recorded.

I'm Waiting For My Man

Generes

art rock
proto-punk
experimental rock
avant-punk
art pop

Exploding Plastic Inevitable

Brief History

Adopted the Velvet Underground as its name in 1965
Andy Warhol became the band's manager
German singer Nico joins the band
Join Warhol's multimedia roadshow "Exploding Plastic Inevitable" from 1966-67
Release The Velvet Underground & Nico in 1967
Replaced Andy Warhol as manager
Released White Light/White Heat in 1968
Founding member John Cale leaves the band
Loaded released in 1970
Lou Reed leaves the Band

Early Photo with Warhol & Nico

Banana Album Cover

Brian Eno on VU

“... the first Velvet Underground record sold only 30,000 copies in its first five years. Yet, that was an enormously important record for so many people. I think everyone who bought one of those 30,000 copies started a band! So I console myself in thinking that some things generate their rewards in second-hand ways.”

Notable Bands Influenced by The Velvet Underground

the Sex Pistols (and many other punk bands)
R.E.M
The Talking Heads
The Smiths
Joy Division
U2
The Flaming Lips

Venus in Furs

All Tomorrow's Parties

Legacy

The Velvet Underground's first 4 albums appear on Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. The passing of Lou Reed in 2016 resulted in the rerelease of a number of their recordings, and the band will likely continue to influence future artists.

The Velvet Underground