Lou Reed on the Charlie Rose Show (April 21st 1998)

Charlie Rose talks to musician and writer Lou Reed about his career and various projects.

[@banditY2K]

It's nice to see Lou smile. I grew up on his music. He was a big influence on me as a musician. Dude can rock. Pure and simple.

[@tylermoulton7294]

Oof

[@Methilde]

Not simple at all, very sophisticated

[@themancaveclub]

What an extraordinary human being, we definitely won’t see another like him on this planet again.

[@pm9601]

LR was amazing, but the likes we'll never see AGAIN... got to disagree. While a romantic idea, it is a ridiculous comment. There is always someone better.

[@kiram990]

"I'll be your mirror" is one of the most beautiful love songs ever. It's all you really need - someone to see you.

[@keithwelch2137]

קירה מלאך Nico wrote that though why is my text going backwards is this a Zionist conspiracy ?

[@kiram990]

A person's name is hardly a zionist conspiracy:)

[@keithwelch2137]

קירה מלאך no when I type my text goes to the left and I'm forced into this hebru platform but I'm also joking with you but you know Nico wrote I'll be your mirror and she wasn't in the Velvet underground technically

[@kiram990]

It's still a most beautiful love song:) no matter who wrote it .. And from what I know Reed wrote the song for Nico.

[@keithwelch2137]

you're probably right I don't need to be right I thought she wrote it lol are you in Israel or you just choose hebrew to be "metropolitan"

[@bonadrag2877]

I love Lou in this interview, he is extremely funny and cooperative! R.I.P.

[@keithwelch2137]

Gaetano Novielli cooperative lol nicely put

[@qubitz5906]

he was funny even when he wasn't cooperative though in my opinion.

[@bonadrag2877]

qubitz, yeah I think he was funniest in those situations, too

[@andrewspyrou9856]

I don't like Lou in this interview, he is extremely funny and cooperative.

[@Len124]

Lou Reed is funniest when uncooperative.

[@TheVCRTimeMachine]

You can tell when Lou actually likes someone, because he comes out of his shell.

[@zachjohnson637]

Lou's true personality comes out here. Great interview.

[@FF-so3su]

Lovely to see Lou happy in a interview 👍😊

[@Methilde]

There's a later entretien where he came with his wife Laurie Anderson much more interesting, for me.

[@nowayout8773]

I love his music with headphones. His words go straight into your head - so true.

[@fleshrags]

And the blood is in my head!

[@bishlap]

Lou mellowed a touch when he knew he wasn't immortal. Thanks Lou.

[@BabyJesus66]

But he is immortal.

[@lighgblue2676]

@@BabyJesus66 he's dead

[@RhysPitman94]

​@lighgblue2676 He will forever be cemented in our hearts and minds. Future generations will appreciate, and celebrate his work with the Velvets and his solo material. In that sense, he is forever immortalised. He's one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, and just so effortlessly cool.

[@jonno63]

Never seen Lou so responsive and Happy doing an interview with someone , He must have really loved Charlie.

[@sarahsexton2586]

Charlie probably arrived naked to Lou's dressing room.🎉🎉🎉

[@MrUltraworld]

I had the privilege of seeing Lou Reed several times in the 70's. Unfortunately, I was too young to really appreciate him then. Thank God for You Tube. RIP Lou.

[@smoovegittar]

A great writer and so much more. This was a good interview.

[@mikelarkin5674]

Nice to see Charlie get a friendly direct interview!

[@user-qb3jg8ep9t]

What did Charlie Rose do right to win Lou's cooperation?

[@kylenielsen1836]

Charlie came prepared, he knows about his past and present work, wih equal focus on both, and asks questions and follow-up questions that can be answered fairly concretely, knowing that Lou is a straight-forward guy who doesn't like vague interview questions (evidenced by interviews he's had in the past).

[@markuskenel]

@grimble lou reed was one of the last people on earth to care about wether someone was big in showbiz.

[@alexisp696]

Intelligent, knows his subject and respectful of privacy/dignity. Also, a sense of humour helps. Rare qualities in most music biz journos, or journos of all fields really.

[@damienholland9244]

Have you not considered that people change and Lou is much older here? And likely sober?

[@0BRAINS0]

@@somynamesrobbieparker1413 no, everyone loves heroin.

[@lessevdoolbretsim]

Rock N Roll Animal was the first thing I ever heard by Lou, and the combination of that street punk, New York attitude, mixed with those insanely awesome guitars made an indelible mark on me. It's still there.

[@annonymost9318]

Wow. Have not heard tons of his interviews...but, never heard Lou so friendly and kind. I mean, I knew all that sweet stuff was IN him.....but....just...wow...how nice to see it in human to human conversation!

[@klausrain111]

I'll never forget the first time I heard Heroin. One of the greatest songs in rock history. Also, his passing was hardest for me to take, only Jim Morrison's made me nesrly as sad. What's more, The End is another greatest song in rock history. And finally, Lou Reed's New York is an album I've listened to a thousand times.

[@EmeraldWoodArchives]

I had that American Masters episode on VHS and must have watched it 100 times. This must be one of his most pleasant interviews I've seen so far. The Sweden interview is perhaps his funniest...

[@Nannada1212]

I love how Lou always keeps it real. As a member of the group. Hell yeah. Miss you Lou.

[@apoocumber4164]

This is his best interview I've seen

[@Einvestigator96]

10:12 I totally agree with Lou. I am in my first band, and yesterday we had our first rehersal. The fact that you create something that you think is beautiful, and the fact that that something comes to life thanks to you and your partners, becoming more gorgeous than before, is truly amaizing....(bad english, sorry).

[@gustercc]

Gives you shivers.

[@guyglowmore1]

always liked lou reed, especially walk on the wild side, but didn't really become a dedicated fan until I heard LAST GREAT AMERICAN WHALE, 30 something years later. that story song is so powerful, brave, cutting, insightful, and true I brings a tear every time. so glad we have recollection of such fine work and the catalogs of these wonderful lives from st marie to young, Dylan, winwood, Mitchell, waits, and a host of other truly great musical geniuses. give thanks

[@syrahlover0513]

Utmost respect for this REAL person. Such integrity on display throughout his life and career. May he continue to RIP.

[@raysantalucia3385]

He was just a pure artist. He wanted that perfection whether he got there or not. I always respected that about him.

[@voivod6969]

Coolest guy in the room. Always.

[@pgroove163]

charlie ?

[@tonycardinal9381]

One of the greatest story teller's of all time. R.I.P Lou.

[@alrightcocker3256]

Astonishing to see him being so funny and graceful. Rose is winging the whole interview, but it works.

[@thepetspider]

Best interview I have ever seen with lou .

[@alexisp696]

Charlie Rose - one of USA MSM's best interviewers.

[@sammyjo2852]

Nice to see Lou being open and self-deprecating and seeming to actually enjoy an interview.

[@johnschober1819]

Still to this day I find Lou, Keith and Iggy's perspective on music and life in general very on point!

[@felipearias1267]

Lou is such a sweet heart

[@AndyBigDaddyWilkinson]

Now....he is. Thank god....wasn't always the case....go back and look at his interviews in the 70s and 80s....he was an arrogant disagreeable prick

[@CannibalWHORE22]

Andy Wilkinson True! A lot of people soften at an older age unless your Robert Blake lol

[@II-xl7lj]

@@AndyBigDaddyWilkinson Then he was incomparable!

[@II-xl7lj]

@@CannibalWHORE22 Lou didn't relent, but he had a personal respect for Charlie

[@Adept179]

Hilarious

[@61dodgelancer]

Lou has respect for Charlie. Something he doesn't show in other interviews I've seen. Maybe because some other interviewers didn't deserve it. Ha! Lou and Charlie seem like old friends.

[@RyanInLA]

Charlie is (was?) a great interviewer who researched, understood, and respected his guests. it totally sucks that his behavior off camera was so obnoxious but I'm glad that these interviews will remain.

[@lysanderofsparta3708]

The fact that Lou and Charlie were the same age might have had something to do with it. Lou's death and Charlie's fall from grace are indeed a bummer.

[@vambo13257]

No, Lou was an a-hole to a lot of people. No need for it. Young reporters that he treated like sh!t He was way overrated and I had a couple of his albums.

[@61dodgelancer]

@@vambo13257 thanks for your perspective.

[@vambo13257]

@@61dodgelancer anytime, glad you could read your way through it!

[@ricklanders]

Amazingly humble and self-effacing guy for a legend! RIP Lou!

[@estebanramosjimenez7291]

I'm happy to see Lou so comfortable in this interview... Always loved see my Lou open minded and heart opened... Fuck almost 10 Years...

[@bobgure]

Thanks so much for posting this. Ride into the sun...

[@goldenhog]

the main thing about this interview is that charles is being a good sport and has a sense of humor.

[@Ty1350]

It made me happy when they discussed the beauty of the D chord because that was the first cord I learned (to play Sweet Jane).

[@wyattbernstein3424]

Is this the only interviewer that Lou Reed was actually warm and charming to?

[@MrNihilist2001]

There's a few but this is really warm. Very rare

[@TheCheesyRice]

Charlie... there you were sitting across the table from a talkative, cooperative, and in a good mood Lou Reed and not once but twice he said the thing he was most proud of was coming up with good lines. How did it not occur to you to ask him the obvious follow-up question of "Can name some examples of good lines that you are proud of writing?"

[@plasticweapon]

charlie's not the brightest bulb in the batch.

[@JoshWilliams-iq6pb]

Too busy picking his nose. Now that takes concentration. Actually if you got Charlie Rose picking his nose on one side of the street and Lou Reed and some junkies, prostitutes, and drag queens on the other side of the street. Tell me which is the wild side.

[@blipblip88]

I love this interview. He is uncharacteristically calm, courteous, and nondefensive with Rose here..and also in an interview with him later in his life with his muse Laurie Anderson.

[@marisasoares3907]

Lou ,IS ALL US LOU REED, BITS AND PIECES, WE ARE ASTOUNDINGLY AWESOME! WE ARE THE BEST GENERATION, FROM 1960 TO DATE❤️🌻⚘️💐🇧🇷🙏

[@rayhoob7872]

To all you people wondering why Lou is so cooperative here, the reason he is on his best behavior is because for the first time he’s getting recognition beyond his loyal fan base by way of a Public Television American Masters edition devoted to his career. This was no small deal for him, so he’s showing himself as Mr Nice Guy. How many “Charlies” do we hear? His nastiness toward journalists was not really shown in its usual form in the documentary. Anyway, this was his amiable period. Maybe falling in love had something to do with it as well. I love Lou in the 1990s.

[@AtlantaBill]

Perfect.

[@cameronkrause4712]

I take it that you have seen the interview he did with a really young journalist in Europe? It might have been in Sweden. I find it hard to watch because Lou was cruel to the kid that got sent over to interview him, and Lou was pissed because they sent a very inexperienced journalist for the interview, as if it was just an after thought. I do believe the kid survived it and continued on, but if someone told me that the kid went out and cried after speaking with Reed I would not be surprised.

[@TakagiGoro99]

@@cameronkrause4712 Been meaning to respond. Yes, I saw that video. Even though I know LR could be nasty, I was nevertheless shocked. As big a LR fan as I am, I was disappointed that he was such a prick to that kid. I understand that he wants experienced journalists who are up on his work. Funny thing was that LR didn't look like he was in a bad mood, but that he just enjoyed torturing the kid. That said, if I was a journalist, I might never want to interview LR. But if I was a journalist, I would make sure I came prepared and with good knowledge about my subject. Maybe the kid's employers sent him. Lou shouldn't torture people if it isn't their fault. Going to a LR interview without knowing LR is a suicide mission. Sorry for the ramble.

[@mj.l]

@@TakagiGoro99 all the journalists lou was mean to deserved everything he gave them. imagine being asked the same mundane questions for 40 years and just playing along.

[@foljs5858]

@@cameronkrause4712 Well, Lou wasn't there to give journalists a hug. Journalists have a huge responsibility, when a random person comes, inexperienced, without doing their homework, and usually to write the usual BS, they shouldn't get sympathy

[@60s70s80sMusicFan]

Lou's legend lives on. RIP Lou.

[@oanarenault1219]

He s really lovely and open minded more than people though about him..luv u Lou

[@wk4max]

Brilliant interview , RIP LOU xxx

[@NoRosesForMe]

LOVE you LOU and much much respect to one of our greatest journalists and writers- Mr Charlie Rose- from my "home" state. He always digs what matters. CHARLIE thank you as well :)) - "jen"

[@MarcStjames-rq1dm]

Thank you for teaching me what my parents failed to..... and for showing me how to see things myself...

[@andrewramirez4838]

It’s good to see Lou actually showing character in this interview

[@hossesarse]

That's true. He was ordinarily a pompous, overrated piece of shit. Nice to see Lou being a decent person for a change.

[@johnschober5240]

To me Lou had a great sense of humour.

[@IrishMan441]

john schober I actually second that, a lot of interviews I find myself laughing from comments I don't think he meant funny!

[@mariodriessen9740]

@John Schober : Absolutely! I never understood why so few people seemed to get it. I remember the first time listening to 'Transformer'. I thought it was extremely funny.

[@v-town1980]

To you?

[@geliasr2562]

He became more friendly in terms of interviewing. I saw some, and he a answered the questions with just one word or just a aham. But, as Thom Yorke said, he’s Lou Reed kkkk! He has the right!

[@ericmuschlitz7619]

Greatest contribution, demonstrated that art can and should be self determined.

[@BlueRosebuds]

What I wouldn't do to get to hang out with Lou Reed for a while...HUGE VU fan and love his work!

[@MarkSM]

For those of us--without a college education. Charlie Rose is the outbound ride of a college understanding. The interview--? I appreciate the advice of Lou Reed. Its Oct. 28, 2013 Lou Reed. And you are making my day.

[@dmlevitt]

I have never seen Lou so relaxed and non-combative in an interview. he likes Charlie.

[@zingaboo2008]

Thank you sambar0986 for making this available on You Tube.

[@lanettesuggs5130]

I love you, Lou......always have, always will. I really thought you would be alright again, I wanted to see you just one more time. my personal hero!

[@JoeinSeattle.]

I thank God, I walked the Earth the same time as Lou Reed.

[@Moparguy511]

One on my favorite song writer's

[@jacquesleecoleridge1107]

Reed is the coolest guy in the universe.

[@williamagwatu2569]

done on my birthday 4 years before i was born!

[@Ownviainternet]

I like this interview, on both sides the two are connecting - and it really seems like both want to be there talking to each other. Some interviews are dull and one sided, this one is just an informative conversation, really.

[@henrikpersson4698]

so nice to see hi in a good mood

[@lordwestoff]

charlie rose is perfect

[@balerjohnson3099]

I tried to say something profound...Just punching keys and retracting ...lol...We will miss you Lou Reed..you changed the world.

[@paulsavage5057]

Really? For whom? You? The world is always changing but people only notice climate change which is as natural as breathing.

[@rdo1231]

he is pure legend!

[@KNeil779]

Nice won❤

[@casares35]

Thank you sambar0986. A nice way to end a warm summer evening. Peace out.

[@09keef]

Love Lou! We miss him.

[@bobalbin3659]

"One on one, simple words, creating deep emotions." "With grace." That says it all for me

[@BenCDaugherty]

Lou definitely strikes me as the kind of person that you would have to address depending on his mood. Sometimes he really seemed bitter and other moments very boastful but other times super laid back.

[@randalldavis7839]

I miss you so much, Lou :-(

[@jackdoldseven]

Lou Reed narrates the voice of reason in my thoughts.

[@Dmwntkp99]

His thoughts are mind blowing, simply the ultimate, not full of himself like current schmucks.

[@theeHeisenberg]

listen to his album New York

[@christopherlangdon2892]

Such an honest interview.

[@sarcasmo57]

First time I've seen him really participate in an interview.

[@BLAESY67]

YES LOU GO ON and make me dream again and again.; since fifty years.WHAT a prety day when I can hear you

[@chrisbarnette7137]

Charlie Rose is the greatest interviewer of all time.

[@keithwelch2137]

there's always the obligatory I hate Charlie Rose comments although you've been watching a 20 minute Charlie Rose interview as you typed it because he booked your favorite artist

[@sodiumlights]

so good to hear Lou sounding a little humble, even though he`s dancing around with many of Roses` faulty statements.

[@humbertojimmy]

I have the highest respect for Lou (and sure love his music also). Being bisexual and a (former?) heroin user, he always knew he could become a target in the list of many people, people who feared freedom and hated those strong enough to wear their choices proudly, and still he always came forward without masks or fear. One thing i learned from Lou is that i will never be afraid or ashamed of my choices, because they are mine to live with! Fuck the rest if they don't like it.

[@carmichael-ok7cc]

x

[@pghTC420]

. . .your perfect day has come thankz for the lyrical memoriez

[@merwynglynn]

What a amazing man he was

[@festersuncle6298]

An ordinarily extraordinary guy. He's very down to earth and normal. It helps that he likes Charlie Rose.

[@oldboygarage]

Lou Reed is the goat

[@ERICWAGNERSLUCID]

The greatest poet of the 20th century

[@rainblaze.]

Yeah right!! If you discount ; philip larkin, T. S elloit, EE cummings, sirgfried sassonon, wifried own, dylan thomas, WB Yates, robert frost jack kerouic, or even bob dylan sure if you discount them ..... Sure If you chose to discount them Then he's still not even close

[@somamusika]

he was going to explain how he wrote I ll be your mirror and Charly missed it! Min: 7:29

[@lifesoboring1]

rose doesn't let reed finish answering questions---he cuts in with another question---too nervous

[@darienpinkston7311]

Seeing a happy Lou Reed is a little unsettling

[@Saka22777]

for 40 years have evyone piss one mee, i like the sound, an the Text

[@MortalAtheist]

He seems to like Charlie Rose a lot more than other interviewers

[@boomeyeay]

"Does Andy Warhol still play lead guitar?"...that is very funny

[@oscarclarke2653]

It's a bit strange to see Lou being engaged during a conversation lol

[@andrenewcomb3708]

We used to have a record store in our town called, "Reflections".

[@ustheserfs]

charlie rose didn't spend a single minute in his younger years listening to velvet or lou solo

[@TedCantu]

This interview was handled right. Lou is actually acting alright.

[@patchadams4439]

he's not arrogant here at all. Yes Charlie, wait Charlie, great Charlie. I don't know which kind of drugs he did here, but they make him seem a nice guy, humble and reflected and cooperative. I mean, Charlie, seriously!

[@austinfreitag6749]

"if you're on headphones you're mine" very true

[@Zincink]

This video is not available in your country, meaning the USA & 30 minutes from NYC

[@johnheath4305]

“I’ve gotten better at playing a D chord”

[@quinnrollen]

Reed was the true music rebel. Real deal

[@translateslowly]

How did Charlie ever get as far as he did? Several times in this he cut Lou off in the middle of a thought that I really wanted to hear. Lou talking about taking a dump is more interesting than Charlie ever was. Then we find out he's a creep too!