Lou Reed – 1991 – Central Park Rumsey Playfield

American rock musician and songwriter Lou Reed (born Lewis Allan Reed, 1942-2013) reads from his works at Central Park SummerStage, New York, New York, Thursday, July 11, 1991.
Image Credit: Jack Vartoogian

Lou Reed was reluctant about reading his lyrics. He drew over 5,000 fans for a free show. It seemed like every New York musician, writer, punk was in the audience. Reed was nervous about not having a band and a guitar, and then he crushed it. Fans listened intently to “Heroin,” “Halloween Parade,” “Dirty Blvd,” and many more. Reed commanded the stage with his words. —J.K.