Musician and Tai Chi Practitioner Lou Reed Passes Away

Musician and Tai Chi practitioner Lou Reed (March 2, 1942 – October 27, 2013) passed away at the age of 71 years old. Reed was well known as a musician, first as the principal songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist for the band The Velvet Underground and later for his solo musical career.  Lou Reed was lesser known for his passion for Tai Chi Chuan, which he actively promoted.

Lou Reed died of liver disease. He had received a liver transplant earlier this year for chronic liver failure, but unfortunately the disease was too advanced.

Lou Reed began his journey in Tai Chi during the 1980’s. He first began learning with Eagle Claw Kung Fu master Leung Shum, from whom he learned the Wu/Hao style of Tai Chi Chuan for 15 years. Lou Reed then began learning the Chen style from Ren Guangyi, and studied with him for more than 10 years.

Below is a beautiful video which features Lou Reed and his teacher Ren Guangyi perform on stage at the Vivid LIVE 2010 event at the Sydney Opera House, as well as lead a Tai Chi class on the Northern Foyer of the opera house.

We will truly miss the presence of Lou Reed, for his contribution to music and Tai Chi Chuan will always be appreciated and remembered.