Farewell

Last night, Lou Reed died.

For many of us, this is a death of a legend that we, now, have to keep alive.

The man who broke all rules, the man brought taboos to the general discussion, the man who wasn't afraid of who he was, who inspired millions to be who they are, then and now.

I went through some websites this morning, which paid tribute to the great Lou Reed and his music. Every comment was about people having him as a rule model, as someone who helped them along the way.

I have to admit, I became acquainted with Lou Reed in the worst mainstreamy way there is. I was about 12 when “Perfect Day” came out in the new and remastered version by various artists. Back in those days MTV was my almost only source of music, and they played “Perfect Day” about twice an hour. I had no idea what the fuss was about, I had no idea who that person was. It was only later that I learned about the person who wrote the song, and what he was about.

That person, who grew up having every difficulty he could possibly have on the way of becoming who he really is, made it through in the most inspirational way.

Born in the 1940’s, as a bisexual, he went through electroconvulsive therapy. The man who became a symbol of sexual pluralism, grew out of a narrow minded cruel experience that was used on him in order to make him what he’s not. The only thing that he’s not.

Then, with Velvet Underground, which only later became a clear institute of modern classics, he was the one never to surrender when his music was way ahead of time for the vast majority of the people. His music and his words.

There are only a few people in a specific course of time that can be called a ground breaking figures. Lou Reed was just that.

Faithful to himself, to the harsh truth of life, writing and singing about things people would much rather turn away from. That was his greatness.

I wonder if we’ll ever have another great persona like Reed to look up too. I wonder if there would be another artist who will write the words to thousands of people’s unspoken thoughts the way he did.
As I’m writing these words I’m listening to “take a walk on the wild side”. Admiring the words that set so many souls free inside the boundaries of their own skin.

Lou Reed, was a pioneer, a grown breaker, a fighter. It was no surprise to hear about him practicing Tai chi an hour before he passed away, just to feel better, to fight the sickness, to live another glorious moment.

Rest in Peace, Lou Reed. Your spirit will stay alive in our souls forever. 

Lou Reed

1942-2013