Laurie Anderson & Lou Reed Interviewed by Charlie Rose (2003) - Part One

July 8, 2003
Lou Reed talks about 'NYC Man' (his retrospective album) and Andy Warhol.
Laurie Anderson and Lou Reed talk about their relationship.

[@dabosaurouslivestream5182]

These are the best answers Lou has given in any interview. Her presence calms the shit out of him.

[@royferguson3909]

it is The power of love

[@JohnFryeDesigner]

Yes, I just bookended this with his curt and annoyed interviews from '74/'75 and his last from 2013- trying to use as few words as possible to speed the interview along or kill it in its tracks. He's a very intelligent and deep thinker, but I think most of the time he thinks the interviewers don't care about the questions enough to validate a thorough answer.

[@DennisMHenderson]

not at all. Vbut this was the time & place to witewasche

[@Lyndanet]

Yep

[@emmaduncan2991]

Lou looks good and happy, I'm glad he had Laurie, in his final years.

[@robinholmescnx]

Laurie made him happy. He should have smiled more.

[@johnschober1819]

A talented lady in her own right would have loved to hear them collaborate together.

[@curtandoscar]

It's unceasingly cool and so goddamn refreshing that Lou the legend and rock star didn't go the predicable bubbleheaded model route . He went with an artist and somebody of substance and intellect. Fantastic.

[@carinfourie6692]

yes Laurie is a real artist, her intelligence is admirable. She is the first on my list of artists I would like to have a conversation with..... I don't know too much about Lou's real character, but he must have had some qualities if Laurie chose him.

[@timon1113]

"...unceasingly cool.." YES

[@mikefallopian3191]

Being gay probably made that choice a bit easier.

[@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494]

@@mikefallopian3191 "Queer", man. They were both kinda gender-atypical and I think it was great that Lou fell for a person, a beautiful, real, smart and talented person FIRST - that she was a woman was a secondary consideration, probably.

[@mj.l]

how about we don't?

[@TruthArrows]

It's beautiful the way Lou affectionately touches Laurie and Lola Belle

[@JacoZawinul]

yes, @ 03:04

[@MrFalconford]

what did happen to lue la bell after the show? i hear they dumped her off at the nearest animal shelter?

[@annaunterstab9981]

Thats not true. Lulabelle was living with both of them until she died a short while ago. google it, laurie even did a whole movie about her. very loving, amazing perspective. its called "heart of a dog"

[@siggylloyd3566]

@@MrFalconford "animal shelter" listen to this cutie . If you're going to troll, troll correctly and actually come up with something.

[@gaynordurdy7689]

Love, the great leveler

[@borninparis]

the dog is just so cool, so patient and behaved!

[@kerbygator]

Yeah, he actually acted civil and was respectable to Charlie. In most of his past interviews, he's rude as fuck.

[@Astralpains]

Theres an interview in 2005 where lola bell comes on the show drunk after a three day bender in boca raton and completely berates charlie

[@cassmoore4719]

Lou, Laurie and Lolabelle, one of this planet's true love stories.

[@Tamar-sz8ox]

Lou & Laurie seems like they had true intimacy . A rare thing ❤

[@jospe5082]

Laurie Andersson and Lou Reed is the coolest couple ever. Fuck all that Beckhams and Bradgelinas and all that shit

[@mikes6970]

Exactly ... couldnt agree more ...

[@biegebythesea6775]

why? those couples are also made for each other. it's not a couples competition. fkn hell man.

[@Drbigchungusmdphd]

Damn I know Lou Reed being difficult in the interviews is part of what made him interesting/different/iconic, but I wish we got the chance to see him this comfortable and calm more often. I’ve never seen him this lit up talking about stuff and people he loves. The fact that he could be so sweet (albeit sparingly) is weirdly reassuring to me. I’m not sure why.

[@alwaysdreamin7417]

Laurie Anderson gave the acceptance speech on his behalf when Lou❤️ was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She said so many incredible and beautiful things about him and noted his exceptional capacity and talent for loving people.

[@soyelpulpoverde]

he was always nice when he wasn't asked stupid questions. lou is one of those people who has no problem making you feel like an asshole if you're acting like one.

[@poorlydrawnskulls]

That moment when he touches her cheek just brought a smile to my face. That contrasting gentleness combined with his rough exterior, it's what makes him quite charming. Well, I find him charming anyway, others would disagree!

[@curtandoscar]

Jesus, can't believe how good Lou looks here, for what, age 61? He looks young and fit.

[@marcosbisso7136]

@Ferris Wheeler what?

[@vesicapiscis5917]

@Ferris WheelerJesus Christ man chill out for god's sake

[@vesicapiscis5917]

@Ferris Wheeler you could snort Charlie with a rolled up Bible page

[@vesicapiscis5917]

@Ferris Wheeler respect Jesus fucking Christ

[@vesicapiscis5917]

Oh and fucking Lou Reed

[@curtandoscar]

Lou, we miss you bad. RIP.

[@eldoabrahamson]

We do?

[@ff441980fredcrowe]

You could tell he loved her and she him. They respect each other.

[@cheebazoe]

Love the way he touches Laurie's cheek

[@modelleg]

Laurie's dimples do it for me.

[@nomchowski8297]

Everything is just right about this interview. And it's so calming just to see them together with their dog. Lou had it all. A brilliant perfomer and songwriter, able to express every emotion in the best way including his darker side.And he shared his life with Laurie, also a true and accomplished artist.

[@iggypopisgod9]

Laurie has a real presence

[@woodbell67]

Three great minds together: Reed, Anderson and Lolabelle.

[@robertnicolson3697]

Laurie anderson is a very influential artist. really, very! A true artist! She took music into new places and deserves great credit. Bravo Laurie, this is from the UK!!

[@Poemsapennyeach]

I agree. She outshines Reed by far.

[@jackbarlow3337]

It's great that she gets some credit 👏 finally.

[@mj.l]

@@Poemsapennyeach lol no she doesn't. they're both incredible artists in their own rights, but nobody comes close to lou reed's artistic legacy.

[@user-cs6up8eq7s]

​@@Poemsapennyeachlmfao 😂😂

[@aaronjennings8385]

@@mj.l I'm more a lorrie fanatic

[@mike196212]

You don't see this warm and engaging side of him nearly enough. Then again,he was often in the company of idiotic interviewers. He never suffered fools lightly and I don't blame him.

[@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494]

I totally agree. He didn't like being interrogated, he wanted conversation - and his tendency to give succinct answers sometimes led journos to misread him as abrupt when he actually wasn't being so. You also have to take his substance-addicted years of interviews into account. Interviews should never be like job interviews (requiring you to sell yourself) or, worse, psychiatric interviews (Lou would have been very sensitive to this association). They should allow the subject to open up and be themselves and talk about their passions.

[@danielryan9076]

Flasher's bring out the best.......

[@ichbin4122]

i don t think he cut it as a nice person (in his past), that's what I read, he built a wall maybe, to shelter himself from the outside.

[@mike196212]

@@ichbin4122 I've read a lot about him over the years and he had a complicated personality.

[@whatevershebrings]

Here, he was *still* in the company of perhaps the most over-rated, idiotic interview host, but the show's reach was so wide, I guess you had to.

[@Tamar-sz8ox]

Love this interview . Laurie is so cool & adorable . Miss you Lou ❤️

[@patrickfarrell5887]

Damn Charlie, you did have some great interviews.

[@Darrylizer1]

Wow, great interview. Really shows a warmer side to Lou and I've always liked Laurie Anderson.

[@sananto6896]

Soon as I saw the lady with a dog, I knew she was special.

[@Lasher500]

this is surely a different side of Lou Reed. He is usually a tad abrasive. Nice to see.

[@Chiselnyc]

I remember thinking what a perfect match they were, when the news announced they were a couple. I'm glad they had 12 happy years together and so sad for Laurie Anderson right now. Lou had such soulful eyes, and I just love how he listens with his full attention. It's fun to watch how Lou adores Laurie, and she him. :)

[@kerpin09]

actually this is ten years ago so they had 22 years together.

[@pdfortune]

kerpin09 He was married to someone else 22 years ago. The previous comment doesn't state it was 12 years at interview time. Thanks for the failed math lesson.

[@Chiselnyc]

P Fortune Well, I hope you got your need to be pity and smarly out of your system and if not, please feel free to spare us.

[@Chiselnyc]

Chiselnyc kerpin09 Thanks for the correction ... 22 years even better.

[@pdfortune]

Chiselnyc I was actually agreeing with you. I wasn't replying to you directly. 22 year is inaccurate. Also, smarly isn't a word. I think you meant petty not pity.

[@CherzieBear]

What a lovely vibe we have here & a dear sweet dog.

[@slumdogjay]

Most open and relaxed I’ve ever seen Lou Reed in an interview. Laurie was a calming presence.

[@lynnpehrson8826]

Lou seems in his element here and in a good mood, probably cuz lauries there

[@RTH-xo6gl]

Lou is more human in this interview. Go back ten years and see interviews , twenty is real crazy

[@TheVCRTimeMachine]

He actually liked Charlie Rose

[@markrago7217]

He was intentionally crass for a long time. Probably maintaining the image.

[@gaynorgregory2528]

He just didn’t like a lot of journalists and their assumptions.

[@gaynorgregory2528]

@@markrago7217 he was intentionally taciturn and impolite, but he was never crass.

[@markrago7217]

@@gaynorgregory2528 Idk he had a certain degree of arrogance about him imo. He certainly was a founder of the cultural underground, but commercially speaking was a bit inferior relative to his ego. I don't think I would have gotten on with him.

[@mikes6970]

Wow ... takes the love of his life to get a great interview outta lou ... what a couple ... you can see the gentlenes and love that they have for each other ...

[@steelyman08]

Charlie Rose was so real! This is so atypical when it comes to celebrity interviews. It just all plays out so naturally. No affectation whatsoever. A breath of fresh air. Lou Reed (rightly) was always visibly frustrated or just plain annoyed with inane questions, but not here at all. Nice!

[@princeoffriendship]

it's Lola Belle!!! cant believe she had her during this interview with her! Their love was truly big! Heart of a dog documentary was brilliant!

[@douglastull3908]

A fantastic interview. I miss him so.

[@MIB_63]

I miss him too. A lot.

[@paulcooper5748]

Best interview of lou ive seen he actualy opened up.

[@ichbin4122]

i read a lot of similar comments, i just think Reed knew the interviewer wasn't a clown. I think that is the difference - everyone sane 99% or U.S. TV was a a pile of shit and USTV interviewers just a bunch of dorks...mostly...I think...well I read that somewhere anyway

[@biegebythesea6775]

@@ichbin4122 charlie rose isn't a clown?

[@sarinasamms]

Lou has been my all-time favorite since I was 15! This is great....I love him. :D

[@MIB_63]

Me too. Since I was 13. Back in 1976.

[@Mandrake591]

These interesting are so precious. Laurie was so good for Lou and is so cool. He finally met his match! Charlie Rose conducts the interview really well!

[@PrincipledNaturalLaw]

Been into music of The Velvets & Lou Reed forever but only very recently watched interviews with Lou Reed and his personality, intelligence & attitude has got my respect.

[@thomasnormile1427]

Thank you Lolabell

[@kimrunic5874]

Damn this is a real education. KZbin at it’s best.

[@eldoabrahamson]

What's the lesson?

[@mickeypang]

"Time's the school in which we learn, time is the fire in which we burn! "

[@LINKJW]

Can't believe it's 2003. Lou seemed so energetic and young here.

[@belleofkilronan8565]

I love how they basically have the same haircut. RIP Lou.

[@SongMakerNYC]

I accidentally bumped into Lou on the west side/riverbank...he was walking his dog, i was walking and writing tune in my head...bum, Lou right in front of you, relaxed, walking his dog, proper time to say something, something from your youngster years, how much he meant for you...etc, sadly i was unable to say even one fkn word...just watched him crossing the street and disappearing...couple of week later he bought one of my lamps (i was designing and making lamps many years ago and selling through antique shops in Manhattan)...i was very proud, happy like a child...even tough he bought only one instead of buying a pair :) ...etc. RIP

[@JSTNtheWZRD]

When I was reading this I thought at first you bumped into his ghost walking a ghost dog - and that reminded me of his narration of the raven that he did, then I learned later in your message that it was a while back, but wouldn't he be walking through the night shadows with a ghost dog. Like death hadn't stopped his routine. Anyways. Lamps? I need a lamp badly. Not enough proper lamps at these hardware megastores or in Chicago. People would think Chicago was stylish - perhaps in the 90s for sure in the 80s, now, it's like that bad color scheme in 90s suburbia everywhere. I suppose that's what you get turning the world into a mail order business.

[@SongMakerNYC]

@@JSTNtheWZRD i am guessing that Lou was kind of "local shopper", he would buy let's say guitar from Carmine Guitars which as i recall was located close to 6th av/in the Village...and Lamp that he bough was purchased from one of antique shops (can't recall their name), but they were located right across of world known antique store *"Pierre duo" (i don't speak French, but in English store's name was Two Pierres/on the Bleecker street)...anyway, i don't design/make lamps since 2005 and I won't sell one that he left behind...so, probably you need to find some lamp on ebay or through other websites....try this site (i think they ship anywhere...etc www.urbanarchaeology.com/salvage/ByCategory/Lighting.html

[@JSTNtheWZRD]

@@SongMakerNYC thanks. Any help is good help. Happy Thanksgiving

[@SongMakerNYC]

@@JSTNtheWZRD Vegan...Good Luck.

[@JSTNtheWZRD]

@@SongMakerNYC Thanksgiving isn't about food, it's about thinking about who or what you are thankful for in this strange place. So happy thanksgiving.

[@kelvinwilson9217]

That was great and a big thanks for uploading.

[@tsquipnottsquip5128]

My favorite musical couple alongside Lunch and Ruin. So influential. So brilliant. So beautiful on every level.

[@BabylonPatrol]

rare case of lou treating an interviewer like a fellow adult! :)

[@substitute91]

he's so sweet...

[@melissatyree566]

Love makes everything better!!Love you guys.

[@jacksonbigdog2]

it is so great to hear him actually credit Andy. Andy loved him like a brother/father/friend/fan

[@kingoftomatoes]

Lola is so sweet i wish my rat terrier was as calm....

[@kingoftomatoes]

i have a rat terrier, her name is casey and indeed she understands at least 500 words Laurie is a great artist like her husband and they're both beautiful and I have the rest of my life to (re) discover them both. Thank you Mr; and Mrs Reed.regards to Lolabelle

[@Auntchovi]

THANKS FOR posting this!!!!

[@finylvinyl66]

They are both brilliant artists and seem pretty normal to me. And in Lou's case, that's somewhat of a miracle considering all that he has been through.

[@moderndancer9071]

Oh god, I love the way he touched her face!

[@rr7firefly]

I love Laurie's creative mind when she speaks. Her beaming countenance can cure diseases. I am sure of that.

[@donegan2212]

great interview lou was great he will be greatly missed

[@bernardwallace435]

Will and is....

[@daisychan53]

Nice. He was calm & charming by his partner.

[@williamthazard]

Thanks for this! I'd never seen it before. What an interesting interview. I only wish Laurie had been given more of a spotlight. The focus seems to be on Lou for the most part

[@KatWoodland]

Dude the interview was intended for Lou. Listen again. The spotlight was intended for Lou. Laurie appears respectful. She’s there as a loving presence. Notice? Perspectives shape reality. Excellent interview overall.

[@jamuscito6977]

Good energy throughout

[@winonataber]

Laurie I love you.

[@elizabethflynr7561]

Lola Bell! Lou and Laurie KNEW who was the queen!!! RIP Lola Bell!

[@mike196212]

I'm a fan and I was a fan of Charlie too. I saw this.

[@ElfeMusik]

thanks !!!

[@rabidbearpress]

thank you thank you thank you

[@CHUCKYLOSTIT]

he spoke more in the first few minutes then he has in any other interview he's participated in :P

[@SpritMatterMan]

That's so cool that they brought the little Rat Terrier with them,....I am a Rat Terrier owner, and those little doggies are total lap dogs!!!!

[@mnemosyne1980]

yeah, Lolabelle was a rat terrier who was supposed to understand 500 words... she has also been taught to play the piano - but hey, she was Laurie Anderson's dog and, I think, that says everything :)

[@MisAnnThorpe]

That's about 350 more words than the average American or Englishman understands.

[@johnbrocado1083]

Andy was such a genius he had such a way of thinking

[@davidoption8]

Amercan$$$$$$$

[@gaynordurdy7689]

Mr Reed is well and truly behaving himself here, charming, courteous, interesting and very much in love xx

[@lauriec5584]

Thank You

[@chuckhurlocker2180]

Bring on part2

[@Feedurehed]

Wonderful interview! Would be interviewers take note....Ask a pertinent question let the interviewees respond!!

[@elflaco6654]

Love the dog, I had a Rat Terrier named Little Bob (LB). The outside artist Isac Smith made a sculpture of Little Bob, art imitates life vice versa.

[@RumbleFish83]

R.I.P. Lou

[@wbhs1976]

Lou talks about Andy Warhol a lot but in "Songs for Drella" there is Andy's voice saying " I was in the hospital and Lou never even visted me" or "I was at Lou Reed's show and he never even said hello" Great praise. Too bad it was after Andy expired

[@tuckercarlsonsmicropenis1283]

Ha ha, Andy was a people-user, as well as a comedian, cuz that’s some the most unintendedly ironic, funny shit I’ve read all week. Lou co-wrote a song-cycle (as well scattered songs throughout Lou’s career) about Andy. They weren’t best friends or anything.

[@UnoHoo1]

It’s pretty weird listening to how Warhol truly wanted the best for everyone....hmm, he did the exact opposite of that with Edie Sedgwick?

[@andrenewcomb3708]

Uniqueness in everyone. Surround a person with excellent musicians, excellent composition, excellent thoughts interpreted by a believer makes 'that' "person" music also. Happens often. And as time goes by "that person" becomes even more musical. Happens often in rock & roll.

[@andrenewcomb3708]

Like ad libbing with your instrument while watching porn . . . or whatever.

[@johnheath970]

Laurie playing the service dog trope.

[@Tamar-sz8ox]

Who on this planet 🌎 is this different and interesting ? Not many .

[@sandibrockway7959]

See her new film HEART OF A DOG.

[@blackdogdancer]

It is wonderful..

[@MrDeterioration]

+susan-jillian smith unforgettable

[@bernardwallace435]

Oh wow!! Wasn't aware of it!! Thanx *so much* for the recommendation!!

[@meloearth]

Lola Belle, so cute.

[@seanaguirre7759]

amazing. more time for laurie and it would have been perfect. lots of love for andy. cool

[@pieapp4652]

all 3 sweet!

[@johnturtle6649]

soon both of these lovely people will be gone, and I will miss both of them.

[@alessandrapriolo]

awesome

[@blueastral4082]

Stupendi tutti e due.

[@lesilluminations1]

"What's it like to have such a powerful influence and then it be gone?" Good question, Charlie.

[@arthurpussy]

he was one cool dude rip lou

[@johnschober5240]

Great Interview.Charlie Rose knows how to make the guest feel at ease.

[@davesavell7054]

he is so cerebral on a conceptual level with life experience as his compass !

[@jipangoo]

Charlie Rose brings out the best in his subjects

[@VictorOctavian]

Lou like a young man, even boyish, without the trademark boorishness. Beautiful.

[@kikeheebchinkjigaboo6631]

Let the woman talk!!!!!

[@MrUndersolo]

A celeb couple that I truly love...or should I say trio (luv ya, Lolabelle!)?

[@MichaelLGormleyMYKLMUSIC]

I like the fact that They only talk about Warhol, without much definition.

[@sandibrockway7959]

+Michael L. Gormley Name dropper

[@bluestate69]

Lou is the happiest I have ever seen him in this interview. Except for this moment, when he seems to cringe 0:03 at the mention of the Velvet Underground!

[@christyspencer6920]

Look at how long he was a solo artist and you will know why!

[@alancornelius1ghf]

RIP Lou Reed

[@Dangermoose-rv6bb]

If he is, i'm 100% sure you'll be joining them one day

[@tramone0158]

Simplify, that has got to be a compliment.

[@sodiumlights]

relaxed, slightly fey, wonderful. Hope this was how Lou was at least 50% of the time.

[@Lyndanet]

She is such a good artist. He was her mechanical arm 🦾 🥚