Lou was a great and leading influence in my youthful years; he formed The Velvet Underground and brought in the mysterious and beautiful Nico (who, in the words of rock journalist Charles Shaar Murray, had a voice like a German 'cello.) The Velvet Underground, who also included Port Talbot-born John Cale, were managed by Andy Warhol. Lou recorded the groundbreaking solo album Transformer, which produced hits like Perfect Day and Walk On The Wild Side. The last time I saw him was on Jools Holland's Later; Rest In Peace, Lou.