As cofounder of the Velvet Underground - regarded as one of the most significant groups of the 1960s - and solo artist, Lou Reed has influenced a wide range of rock musicians, from David Bowie to the Sex Pistols, from Patti Smith to U2. His innovative skill as a singer and songwriter of over 250 songs, including and "Heroin and " and "Walk on the Wild Side and ", and his multiple musical transformations during a twenty-year career have thrust Reed into the forefront of alternative rock, from garage to glitter, punk, disco, and rap.Based on exclusive interviews with Reed and his friends, family, and associates, and including incisive portraits of John Cale, Andy Warhol, Nico, David Bowie, and others, Transformer offers an uncompromising and compelling view of a true rock 'n' roll chameleon.