The Velvet Underground: What Goes On

The Velvet Underground, initially unsuccessful, have become a significant influence on art rock, punk, post-punk, indie, avant pop, and alternative rock. Their influence has grown since the late 1960s, with the original band members reuniting in 1993 and continuing to produce music that explores the idiosyncratic path they pioneered in New York. In 1996, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing their key contributions to popular music. This book presents the first academic book-length collection on the band, covering various topics and examining their contexts from the 1960s to the present day.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 310 pages
Publication date: 18 April 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

The Velvet Underground, despite initial critical and commercial failure, has become a significant influence on various music genres, including art rock, punk, post-punk, indie, avant-pop, and alternative rock. In the 1970s and 80s, Lou Reed, John Cale, and Nico produced works that bridged the gap between art and pop. In 1993, the original band members reunited for live performances, and Reed, Cale, and Tucker continued to create music that followed the unique path they had established in New York during the mid-1960s. The band's influence, amplified by famous fans like David Bowie and Brian Eno, has continued to grow since the late 1960s. In 1996, the Velvet Underground was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing their significant contributions to popular music. In this collection of essays, Pattie and Albiez present the first academic book-length exploration of The Velvet Underground. The book covers various topics, including the band's relationship to US literature, youth and cultural movements of the 1960s and beyond, and European culture. It examines these contexts from the 1960s to the present day, providing a comprehensive understanding of the band's impact and legacy.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501393907