Vicious (Lou Reed song)

"Vicious" is a song written by Lou Reed, released as a single in 1973 and originally featured on Transformer, Reed's second post-Velvet Underground solo album.^[7][8]

"Vicious"
Single by Lou Reed
from the album Transformer
B-side	"Goodnight Ladies" (US) "Satellite of Love" (Europe)
Released	April 1973[1]
Recorded	August 1972
Studio	Trident Studios, London
Genre	Glam rock[2][3][4] proto-punk[5][6]
Length	2:56
Label	RCA Victor
Songwriter(s)	Lou Reed
Producer(s)	David Bowie Mick Ronson

Origins

Lou Reed told Rolling Stone that Andy Warhol inspired the song: "He said, 'Why don't you write a song called 'Vicious'? And I said, 'What kind of vicious?' 'Oh, you know, vicious like I hit you with a flower.' And I wrote it down literally."^[9]

Reception

Cash Box said that "Reed's lyric has a somewhat sarcastic tone that makes the listener take note almost immediately. Here again, he shines with a driving rocker and a great story line that should make this effort a natural hit."^[10]

In popular culture

"Vicious" was featured on season 4, episode 5 of the Showtime TV series Billions.^[11]

Personnel

• Lou Reed - lead vocals, rhythm guitar
• David Bowie - backing vocals
• Mick Ronson - lead guitars
• Herbie Flowers - bass
• John Halsey - drums, cowbell, congas, maracas^{[citation needed]}