Listen: Keith Richards Marks Lou Reed’s Birthday with “I’m Waiting for the Man” Cover
Photo Credit: Bill Kelly
Over the weekend, Keith Richards marked Lou Reed’s birthday by delivering a cover of The Velvet Underground’s “I’m Waiting for the Man.” The single functions as a preview of The Power of the Heart: A Tribute to Lou Reed compilation album, due on April 19, 2024, which also features contributions from various talents such as Rosanne Cash, Rufus Wainwright, Lucinda Williams and more.
“To me, Lou stood out. The real deal! Something important to American music and to ALL MUSIC! I miss him and his dog,” offered Richards. The Rolling Stones guitarist’s contributions to the album come in the form of a revived cut from the debut LP, The Velvet Underground & Nico, which finds Richards staying true to the composition, adding his gritty reinterpretation of the iconic song lyrics over the rock classic.
Besides Richards’ cover, the compilation set also features Bobby Rush’s take on “Sally Can’t Dance,” Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ “I’m So Free,” as well as Rickey Lee Jones’ “Walk on the Wild Side” and other favorites which represent a range of Reeds’ musical contributions and natural talent as a writer.
Encapsulating the reasoning behind the set, fellow contributor Wainwright added, “Lou Reed has been gone now for many years. He’s one of the few people whom I miss as much now as when he left. There are so many instances where I wonder what he would say or what he would think. His general aura would always lend something really unique to the room. Thank God he left his great music and recordings.”
Scroll down to listen to Richards’ take on Reed’s “I’m Waiting for the Man.”
For more information on the LP and to pre-order, follow this link.
