R.I.P. Lou Reed (1942-2013)

"Conspiracy of Hope" Concert, U2 and Lou Reed, 1986

Lou Reed was a massively influential songwriter and guitarist who helped shape nearly fifty years of rock music.

"Every song we've ever written was a rip-off of a Lou Reed song," Bono once announced from the stage, while bringing Reed up to sing on a duet of "Satellite of Love," a staple during U2's Zoo TV tour. What Bono said reconfirmed what many fans think about Reed, who died Sunday: He was a giant among rock stars, and a good deal of the punk and indie bands that followed in his wake were happy to be orbiting objects.

More on Lou Reed and his influence on music.