WHY PUNK WOULD NOT EXIST WITHOUT THE VELVET UNDERGROUND

An insight into the often-overlooked influence of The Velvet Underground on the punk movement.

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Similar to The Stooges, who equally claim to the be the 'father of punk' with music deemed to be raw and vulgar at the time, The Velvet Underground were truly pioneers in the world of punk. Taking inspiration from New York City's art scene, drugs and general disaffection, The Velvet Underground became a pillar to those who felt alien, and continues to be today.

Although predominantly ignored in their original run from the mid-60s to early 70s, their influence still holds strong even to this day. With huge names such as Nirvana, R.E.M, Nick Cave and Ziggy Stardust himself, David Bowie having covered their music, it is clear that The Velvet Underground holds a strong place in the hearts of many alternative, indie and above all, punk artists.

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Originally, the term 'punk' was derogatory for 'a worthless person' but has since been reclaimed by this non-conforming subculture of anti-authoritarianism characterised by a form of rock music. The Velvet Underground took this model of the 'worthless person' and by espousing this rawness, pain and unease in their music, inspired an entire generation of alienated artists. These songs were as beautiful and compassionate as they were tender and aching. However, above all, their music was human.

Yes, of course, music made by humans is human but Lou Reed's ability to feel as if he personally whispers his grief into the headphones of millions of listeners each month, is something I have yet to find in many other artist's work. Unlike his popular counterparts such as Abba, Elton John or Elvis Presley, despite all being very talented musicians, Reed creates such intimacy and relatability with his untouched vocals that audiences had never seen before.

The band were very much both ahead of their time yet destined for their era, as without them, more modern alternative artists such as Jeff Buckley and Elliott Smith, may have never been the same.

What Lou Reed manages to do, is truly make the consumer understand what it feels like to be a 'worthless' punk. That is how The Velvet Underground shaped punk into what it is today, because at it's core, punk is by the alienated, by the isolated, by the 'worthless'.