- A New Origin Story: Sir Salman Rushdie revealed that Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” was originally written for a musical adaptation of Nelson Algren’s novel.
- Creative Pivot: When the musical project fell through, Reed creatively rewrote the lyrics to focus on the iconic figures in Andy Warhol’s Factory.
- A Cherished Friendship: The author shared the anecdote during an appearance on BBC Radio 4’s “Desert Island Discs,” where he reflected on his friendship with the late musician.
- Literary Connection: Rushdie also told a poignant story about almost meeting Nelson Algren, the author whose book inspired the song’s original concept.
Celebrated author Sir Salman Rushdie has unveiled a fascinating piece of music history, revealing the secret origin of Lou Reed’s iconic 1972 hit, “Walk on the Wild Side.” Speaking on a recent episode of BBC Radio 4’s “Desert Island Discs,” Rushdie shared an anecdote from his friendship with the late musician that changes how we see the classic song.
A Musical That Never Was
According to Rushdie, Reed’s beloved anthem of the counter-culture wasn’t initially about the colorful characters of Andy Warhol’s Factory. Instead, the song was penned as the title track for a proposed musical based on Nelson Algren’s 1956 novel, A Walk on the Wild Side.
When the ambitious stage project ultimately fell through, Reed cleverly repurposed the track. He shifted his lyrical focus from Algren’s fictional world to the real-life personalities orbiting Warhol’s famous studio. This creative pivot gave birth to the song that became a global anthem for outsiders and artists, immortalizing figures like Holly Woodlawn and Candy Darling.
A Friendship Forged in Admiration
During the radio interview, Rushdie reflected on his unlikely friendship with the legendary artist, whose music he had long admired.
“It’s kind of extraordinary to be able to say that I was friends with Lou Reed because when I was at college, I kind of worshipped The Velvet Underground,” he admitted. The author conveyed his sense of wonder that he eventually got to know the musician whose work had such a profound influence on him.
In a poignant twist, Rushdie also shared that he came incredibly close to meeting Nelson Algren. He had been invited to a housewarming party hosted by the writer, but tragically, Algren suffered a fatal heart attack just before his guests arrived. “I never met Nelson Algren, but almost,” Rushdie remarked.
Rushdie’s Enduring Voice
This revelation comes as Rushdie continues to be a prominent voice in the literary world. Despite facing a horrific knife attack in 2022 that resulted in the loss of sight in one eye, he remains resilient. His appearance on the beloved radio show highlights his continued engagement with art and culture, sharing personal stories that connect disparate worlds—from classic literature to rock and roll history.
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