Lou Reed is recovering from a liver transplant that saved his life, according to his wife, Laurie Anderson.



In an interview with The London Times, Anderson revealed that Reed, 72, had surgery in Cleveland last month (which explains why he canceled his appearance at Coachella).

“It’s as serious as it gets. He was dying. You don’t get it for fun,” Anderson explained. “I don’t think he’ll ever totally recover from this, but he’ll certainly be back to doing [things] in a few months. He’s already working and doing t’ai chi. I’m very happy. It’s a new life for him.”

Update: How do we know Lou is feeling better? Just read the statement he issued today.

“I am a triumph of modern medicine, physics and chemistry. I am bigger and stronger than stronger than ever. My Chen Taiji and health regimen has served me well all of these years, thanks to Master Ren Guang-yi. 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.”