The musician Lou Reed has died at the age of 71. A legend of the New York rock scene, Reed co-founded The Velvet Underground before going on to a prolific solo career. In his later years, he took part in civil rights and environmental activism along with his wife, the musician and artist Laurie Anderson. In March 2008 on the eve of the 5th anniversary of the U.S.-led Iraq invasion, he performed his song about a Vietnam veteran, “Xmas in February,” as well as “Voices of Freedom” at St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn at a benefit for Iraq Veterans Against the War and United For Peace and Justice. He was joined on stage by Laurie Anderson, Moby and other musicians.