The Velvet Underground lead singer Lou Reed passed away at 71 Sunday morning in Southampton, New York, Andrew Wylie, his literary agent confirmed.

The death was reportedly related due to a liver failure that resulted to a transplant May this year. The American musician and songwriter has been in poor health ever since. Reed, along with friend John Cale spearheaded the American rock band The Velvet Underground between 1964 and 1973, one of the most influential groups in rock history.

Tributes from close friends and luminaries poured in on Twitter following Reed’s death, all praising and remembering the singer and his works.

Cale, Reed’s long time friend and band co-founder twitted "The world has lost a fine songwriter and poet … I've lost my school-yard buddy." While English singer and songwriter Lloyd Cole said, "Without Lou there is no Bowie as we know him. Me? I'd probably be a maths teacher." David Bowie, English singer and composer seems to agree, acclaiming Reed and saying that "He was a master."

Even celebrities outside the music world paid their respects. British Indian novelist and essayist Sir Salman Rushdie said "My friend Lou Reed came to the end of his song. So very sad. But hey, Lou, you'll always take a walk on the wild side. Always a perfect day.” a heavy reference to Reed’s songs. Anthony Bourdain, American chef, author, and TV personality referenced the Velvet Underground's song Sweet Jane: "'Heavenly wine and roses … seem to whisper to me … when you smile' … RIP Lou Reed."