Why did John Cale leave the Velvet Underground?

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Initially, John Cale served as the intellectual force behind The Velvet Underground, with Lou Reed often seen as its emotional core. Hailing from Wales, Cale co-established the band alongside Reed, contributing his avant-garde influences to create songs and albums that continue to inspire musicians today. Eventually, he chose to depart from the group.

From 1964 to 1968, Cale was a member of The Velvet Underground. During his tenure, he contributed significantly to the band’s first two albums, particularly the second one, “White Light / White Heat.” This album is often praised for its audacity and experimental nature, which stands out among all Velvet Underground records.

John Cale left Velvet Underground in 1968

Although sharing friendship with Reed, Cale’s ambition to steer the band towards a more avant-garde sound didn’t align well with his bandmate. Reed sought to be the chief creative force and voiced this to drummer Mo Tucker and guitarist Sterling Morrison. He threatened to leave the band unless they consented to dismiss Cale prior to their third album. Eventually, they complied, albeit unwillingly.

After releasing a series of critically acclaimed solo records and contributing to the work of former Velvet Underground members such as Nico, Cale continued his career. The Velvet Underground adopted more of Lou Reed’s influence throughout the 60s, although they disbanded in 1970 (essentially their original lineup). Cale and Reed did not communicate again until 1987, when they both attended Andy Warhol’s funeral – a renowned artist and the Velvet Underground’s promoter.

To everyone’s astonishment, Cale and Reed patched things up and decided to revive the original Velvet Underground lineup. In 1993, they recorded a live album and embarked on a series of concert tours. However, it wasn’t long before the old disputes reemerged, causing another rift between Cale and Reed. They performed together only one more time, during their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

Cale looks back fondly on the band

In a 2024 conversation with Big Issue, Cale reminisced about his tenure with The Velvet Underground. Although there were multiple breaks and conflicts with Reed, who passed away in 2013, the artist expressed that he cherishes those memories with the band.

For a spell,” Cale recounted, “it seemed like we were right at the heart of the artistic cosmos, brimming with witty humor yet overflowing with kindness and goodwill. Reflecting on those times, we stumbled upon an untapped wellspring of talent – an odd assortment of individuals, yet incredibly inspiring.” Over time, Cale has continued to create solo music and collaborate with emerging artists who have drawn heavily from his Velvet Underground days. Although it was fleeting, the experience left a lasting impression.

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2025-03-13 22:00