RIP Lou Reed – Thank you for Joan Jett

When Lou Reed passed away on October 27, the world lost a music legend and Joan Jett lost one of her heroes. She posted the following on Twitter and Facebook shortly after his death:

Lou Reed’s transformer transformed me and then I fell for all of Lou.He was rocknroll embodied.With a heavy heart,thank you, Lou! Joan Jett*

Transformer was released in 1972, and The Runaways formed about three years later. Joan got to sing Lou’s words when The Runaways covered The Velvet Underground’s “Rock and Roll” on their first self-titled album in 1976. Cherie Currie sang the Live in Japan version.

Rock and Roll (Joan on vocals):

Rock and Roll (Live in Japan – Cherie on vocals):

And here’s the original version–complete with vinyl hiss. it’s incredibly different. 🙂

Joan was a presenter during the 2010 Long Island Music Hall of Fame–the same year Lou got inducted. (She inducted former WLIR program director Denis McNamara during her presentation.)

Both Joan and Lou were photographed for the “Legends of Punk” feature in V Magazine earlier this year. It was the last magazine Lou sat for.

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts performed “Rock and Roll” on November 1st as a tribute to Lou in Tulsa, OK.

My life was also saved by Rock and Roll–Joan Jett’s brand specifically. Thank you, Mr. Reed.

Lou’s family, friends, and all of his incredible fans have my deepest condolences.