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BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Book of the Week

Audiobooks

Factual

Serialised book readings, featuring works from various genres

Serialised book readings, featuring works of non-fiction, biography, autobiography, travel, diaries, essays, humour and history

BBC Radio 4 LW

Book of the Week: Lou Reed: A Life

Demetri Goritsas

Anthony DeCurtis

Sara Davies

Book of the Week: Lou Reed: A Life: Episode 5

Lou Reed: A Life

Episode 5

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, Lou Reed: A Life, Episode 5

Revealing biography of groundbreaking rock musician Lou Reed by Anthony DeCurtis.

Anthony DeCurtis' revealing account of the musician who became godfather of rock's underground. A reunion, and an end.

After Andy Warhol's death, Lou Reed and John Cale put aside their old differences to record a tribute to him. When they performed some of the songs at an event in France, the two other members of the Velvet Underground joined them onstage, leading fans to hope for a reunion tour. The projected tour was shortlived, however, with Reed's need for control once again creating tensions with the band. In 1992, as his second marriage was coming to an end, Reed met Laurie Anderson, who would be his partner until the end of his life. Reed went into recovery from his addictions, and began to explore artistic outlets and collaborations outside rock and roll. Over the next two decades he collaborated with many artists and musicians on a wide range of musical and artistic projects. In 2013 he became seriously ill and needed a liver transplant. He emerged from the operation announcing he was a triumph of modern medicine, but his optimism was unfounded. He died, at home in Long Island, in October that year. 

Read by Demetri Goritsas

Abridged and produced by Sara Davies.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

By Anthony DeCurtis. Revealing biography of the groundbreaking rock musician.

By Anthony DeCurtis. Revealing biography of the groundbreaking rock musician. Read by Demetri Goritsas.

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