Richie Unterberger’s book “Do What You Fear Most: The History Of The Velvet Underground” aims to untangle the myths surrounding The Velvet Underground’s story and present a deeply researched, authoritative account.
The book reconstructs the band’s history through interviews and archival research, grounding the story in reality rather than myth.
The early chapters highlight the contrasting backgrounds of Lou Reed and John Cale, whose collaboration sparked the band’s unique sound.
Andy Warhol’s influence on the band was not just aesthetic but also encouraged their uncompromising approach to music.
The book challenges the myth that The Velvet Underground were completely ignored in their time, emphasizing their dedicated following and influence on contemporaries like Leonard Cohen and Jimi Hendrix.
