In a recent interview, author Sir Salman Rushdie discussed his friendship with the late singer Lou Reed. Rushdie revealed that Reed had initially intended his iconic song “Walk On The Wild Side” for a musical adaptation of Nelson Algren’s novel of the same name.
Lou Reed’s Musical Intentions Revealed
During an appearance on BBC Radio 4’s “Desert Island Discs,” Rushdie shared insights about his past with Reed. The song “Walk On The Wild Side” comes from Reed’s 1972 album, “Transformer.” The original plan was for the song to serve as the title track for a musical that ultimately never materialized.
Evolution of the Song
According to Rushdie, the musical collapse led to a rewrite. Reed maintained the original music but altered the lyrics. The new version swapped characters from Algren’s novel for figures associated with Andy Warhol’s Factory.
Almost Meeting Nelson Algren
Rushdie also shared his near-miss encounter with Algren. He recounted an invitation to a housewarming party for the author, where he was expected to meet him. Tragically, Algren suffered a heart attack just before the event.
- Nelson Algren reviewed Rushdie’s “Midnight’s Children” in the Chicago Tribune.
- Algren passed away just before Rushdie arrived at the party.
Recent Works and Legacy
Earlier this month, Sir Salman Rushdie released “The Eleventh Hour,” a collection of stories from diverse backgrounds. This work marks his first fiction publication in nearly three years. Rushdie is known for notable novels such as “Midnight’s Children,” which earned him the Booker Prize, and “The Satanic Verses.”
The controversy surrounding “The Satanic Verses,” published in September 1988, led to a fatwa from Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989, sparking global attention. Rushdie faced years of hiding but has enjoyed relative freedom in recent years.
Challenges Faced by Rushdie
In 2022, Rushdie was attacked at the Chautauqua Institution in New York, which resulted in him losing sight in one eye. Despite these challenges, he continues to write and engage with audiences around the world.
