Celebrated author Sir Salman Rushdie recently discussed his friendship with iconic musician Lou Reed during an appearance on BBC Radio 4’s “Desert Island Discs.” Rushdie is known for his influential works and has often mentioned his admiration for Reed’s music, particularly during his college years.
Lou Reed’s Creative Journey
Rushdie revealed that Reed originally composed the song “Walk On The Wild Side” as a title track for a musical adaptation of Nelson Algren’s novel. The project did not come to fruition, prompting Reed to revise the lyrics to reflect characters inspired by his relationships within the famous Andy Warhol Factory.
Personal Reflections on Friendship
During the interview, Rushdie expressed his astonishment at being able to call Reed a friend. “It’s kind of extraordinary to be able to say that I was friends with Lou Reed,” he noted. The author shared the influence Reed’s music had on him, particularly as a member of The Velvet Underground fan community.
Narrow Miss with Nelson Algren
In an emotional moment, Rushdie recounted nearly meeting author Nelson Algren. He received an invitation to Algren’s housewarming party, only to learn that Algren had passed away from a heart attack just before guests arrived. “I never met Nelson Algren, but almost,” he reflected, emphasizing the near-miss.
Diverse Musical Selections
Rushdie showcased his wide-ranging musical interests by including classics such as Bob Dylan’s “Blowing in the Wind” and The Rolling Stones’ “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” alongside Reed’s celebrated track.
Recent Literary Endeavors
In other news, Rushdie has published “The Eleventh Hour,” a collection of stories set in diverse locations, including Bombay and English universities. This marks his first fiction work in nearly three years and adds to his notable bibliography, which includes acclaimed novels like “Midnight’s Children” and “The Satanic Verses.”
Impact of “The Satanic Verses”
Rushdie also reflected on the tumultuous circumstances surrounding “The Satanic Verses.” The novel led to a fatwa against him issued by Iran’s Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini shortly after its release in September 1988. Although the fatwa forced him into hiding, Rushdie has since regained the freedom to travel following a change in Iran’s enforcement of the decree.
Resilience Amidst Challenges
Despite facing significant challenges, including a knife attack in New York that resulted in vision loss in one eye in 2022, Rushdie continues to share his experiences through his writing. His resilience and commitment to literature remain evident in his latest works.
