Lou Reed (October 14, 1972) – “The Stones, Bowie, Roxy And Mott... And What They Owe To The Inspiration Of This One Man” Feature – New Musical Express.

Oct 13, 1972

2 min read

NME examines the growing influence of Lou Reed on a new generation of rock performers, arguing that artists such as David Bowie, Roxy Music, Mott The Hoople and even The Rolling Stones had absorbed ideas first explored by Reed and The Velvet Underground. Published shortly after Reed's solo resurgence, the feature presents him as one of the most important yet underappreciated figures in contemporary music.

Publication: New Musical Express

Publication Date: October 14, 1972

Country: United Kingdom

Event Date: October 1972

Written by Nick Kent, this major NME feature explores the expanding influence of Lou Reed at a time when his reputation was beginning to extend far beyond the original Velvet Underground audience.

Under the headline:

“The Stones, Bowie, Roxy And Mott... And What They Owe To The Inspiration Of This One Man”

the article argues that many of Britain's most fashionable and influential artists had drawn inspiration from Reed's songwriting, attitude and subject matter.

The feature traces Reed's development from his work with The Velvet Underground through to his emerging solo career. Kent presents Reed as a pioneer whose mixture of urban realism, street poetry and unconventional subject matter created a blueprint later embraced by glam rock and progressive artists.

Particular attention is given to the admiration shown by David Bowie, whose support had played a major role in introducing Reed to a wider audience. The article also identifies connections between Reed's work and performers including Mott The Hoople, Roxy Music, and The Rolling Stones, all of whom were helping shape the direction of early‑1970s rock music.

Accompanying photographs feature Reed alongside images of Bowie and Mick Jagger, visually reinforcing the article's central argument about his influence on contemporary rock culture.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

Published during the same year that Transformer was released, the article captures a pivotal moment in Lou Reed's career.

Although The Velvet Underground had achieved only limited commercial success during their original existence, their impact on fellow musicians was becoming increasingly apparent. By late 1972, many of the artists dominating the British music press openly acknowledged Reed's importance as a songwriter and creative influence.

The feature reflects a growing critical reassessment of Reed's contribution to modern rock music and highlights the role that Bowie and others played in bringing his work to wider attention.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Lou Reed influence feature

Era: 1972 – Transformer era

Tone: Analytical and appreciative

Photography: Images of Lou Reed, David Bowie and Mick Jagger accompanying the feature

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

Headline: “The Stones, Bowie, Roxy And Mott... And What They Owe To The Inspiration Of This One Man”
Feature written by Nick Kent
Analysis of Lou Reed's influence on contemporary rock music
Discussion of The Velvet Underground legacy
References to David Bowie, Roxy Music, Mott The Hoople and The Rolling Stones

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