According to Reuters, LOU REED, whose band the VELVET UNDERGROUND became one of the most influential in rock by fusing art and music in collaboration with artist Andy Warhol in 1960s New York, died on Sunday at the age of 71, Rolling Stone reported.

Reed’s representatives could not immediately be reached to confirm the news.

An admitted hard drinker and drug user for many years, Reed underwent a liver transplant earlier this year at the Cleveland Mayo Clinic, his wife, Laurie Anderson, told The Times of London, after he had canceled five California concert dates scheduled in April.

“I am a triumph of modern medicine,” Reed posted on his website on June 1, 2013, without directly acknowledging the transplant. “I look forward to being on stage performing, and writing more songs to connect with your hearts and spirits and the universe well into the future.”

In 2011, Lou Reed teamed up METALLICA for the Lulu album that received mixed reaction around the world.