The Velvet Underground was an influential American rock band formed in New York City in 1964, fronted by Lou Reed and featuring the experimental artistry of John Cale. Known for their avant-garde approach to rock music, they pioneered genres including proto-punk and alternative rock with iconic albums like "The Velvet Underground & Nico" (1967). Despite their initial commercial obscurity, the band became one of the most critically acclaimed and influential groups in music history, inspiring countless artists across multiple genres.
