Reports in the United States claim that Lou Reed made Susan Boyle cry after a recent snub.
Lou Reed doesn’t have a history of being warm hearted. The singer’s cold, moody pose has run throughout his career, from The Velvet Underground to his recent experiments with the Metal Machine Trio.
Famously, on his album ‘Berlin’ the singer used the sounds of children crying after the producer told them their mother had died. Of course, she hadn’t and that moment of sadism is now enshrined on record.
However this new incident proves that Lou Reed has not mellowed with age. Susan Boyle was set to visit the set of ‘America’s Got Talent’ for a special performance showcasing her rise to the top.
A huge star in the United States, the ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ star was due to give a rendition of Lou Reed’s ‘Perfect Day’. A classic track – ostensibly about scoring heroin – it has been much covered over the years.
But Lou Reed drew the line at the track appearing on ‘America’s Got Talent’. According to TMZ the singer pulled the rug under Susan Boyle’s feet, withdrawing permission at the last moment.
Reports suggest that the Scottish performer burst into tears, and flew straight back to the UK after refusing to sing an alternative track on the show.
‘America’s Got Talent’ producers refused to comment.
ClashMusic feels duty bound to point out that Lou Reed has allowed dodgy covers of his material before. A BBC advert took ‘Perfect Day’ into the charts during the 90s, featuring an all star cast performing the track line by line.
Amongst the guest vocalists were Bono and members of The Three Tenors. Worst single of the 90s? Possibly.
