Synopsis
An examination of some of rock’n’roll’s most iconic figures—The Velvet Underground & Andy Warhol—and the loaded push-pull relationship that distorted their lives and echoed throughout popular culture.
Many cultural critics would agree that Andy Warhol gave the Velvet Underground their break simply by bringing them under his wing. While they reached a certain level of notoriety and local celebrity in their time and have since acquired a lasting cult following, their success was in large part fostered by Warhol’s patronage. But at the time, this relationship was muddied by a certain level of codependence and an insatiable appetite for fame and irony, leaving Reed to ponder quietly: Would we have succeeded without Warhol’s help? This doubt begins to spread like a malignant force, eventually leading to the band’s undoing as they break away from Warhol and, perhaps, give up their golden ticket to success.
From: Simon & Schuster
Notes on This Title
Lou Reed, one of the members of The Velvet Underground, was a bisexual, Jewish man. It is mentioned that John Cale, another member of the band, was molested as a child, and he is shown contemplating suicide. Andy Warhol is a supporting character.
Awards
None.
Reviews
“Lush drawings and a captivating narrative combine for a wonderful telling of the Velvet Underground story.” (Source: Kirkus Reviews)
“No one said your favorite music was made by perfect people.” (Source: The Beat)
Interviews
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