The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground was an American rock band formed in New York City in 1964, considered by many to be the first alternative rock band. The original lineup consisted of singer and guitarist Lou Reed, multi-instrumentalist John Cale, guitarist Sterling Morrison, and drummer Angus MacLise. MacLise was replaced by Moe Tucker in 1965, who played on most of the band's recordings. Their integration of rock with avant-garde reached little commercial success during the band's existence but are now recognized as one of the most influential bands in rock, underground, experimental and alternative music. The band's provocative subject matter, musical experiments, and often transgressive attitudes also influenced the development of punk rock and new wave.

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