FAMOUS ROCK LEGEND DIES AT 71.

United States singer and former Velvet Underground frontman Lou Reed has died at the age of 71.

         Known for tracks including Perfect Day and Walk on the Wild Side, Reed was considered one of the most influential singers and songwriters in rock.

    BBC says the Velvet Underground became renowned for their fusion of art and music and for collaborating with Andy Warhol.

 According to the Associated Press news agency, Reed’s literary agent said he died of a “liver-related ailment.”

 Andrew Wylie said the musician died at his home in Long Island, New York, on Sunday morning and had not been well “for a few months.”

 Reed’s former Velvet Underground bandmate John Cale wrote on his website: “The world has lost a fine songwriter and poet… I’ve lost my ‘school-yard buddy.”

 Other stars paying tribute included The Who, who tweeted: “RIP Lou Reed. Walk on the peaceful side.” Iggy Pop said it was “devastating news.”

 An admitted hard drinker and drug user for many years, Reed had a liver transplant this May after suffering liver failure.

 “I am a triumph of modern medicine,” Reed posted on his website on June 1.

 The Velvet Underground never achieved commercial success during their 1960s existence, but their influence on music in later decades was widely recognised.