The Velvet Underground was established in 1964 in New York City, originating as a partnership between Lou Reed and John Cale.
Their music fused elements of rock, experimental genres, and avant-garde influences, distinguishing them from other bands of that time.
In 1965, artist Andy Warhol took on the role of manager for the group, assisting them in obtaining a record contract and facilitating the production of their renowned debut album.
The Velvet Underground & Nico, released in 1967, initially saw poor sales but later gained a cult following and deeply influenced future generations of artists.
The cover art of their inaugural album, created by Warhol, showcased a peelable banana, which has since become one of the most iconic images in the history of rock music.
The themes explored in their lyrics frequently encompassed controversial topics such as substance abuse, sexual identity, and life in urban environments, challenging the limits of conventional music.
The band experienced multiple lineup changes during their career, with Lou Reed and John Cale remaining as the consistent members.
The application of distortion, reverb, and non-traditional guitar methods significantly shaped the evolution of noise rock and punk music.
The Velvet Underground, although highly regarded by critics, did not achieve substantial commercial success during their years of activity.
The Velvet Underground is often considered one of the most impactful bands in the history of rock music, having inspired a diverse range of artists, including David Bowie and Sonic Youth.