Lou Reed’s death on October 27 has inspired a wealth of tributes for the late Velvet Underground founder. Pearl Jam, Arcade Fire, and Arctic Monkeys have recently covered some of Reed’s most iconic songs, while John Cale, David Bowie, Kim Gordon, and many more have shared remembrances, either through official statements or social media. But a whole slew of other people have misdirected their condolences towards Lou Bega — yes, he of “Mambo No. 5” fame.
The one-hit wonder revealed on Facebook on October 28 that he’s been inundated with loads of “R.I.P.” messages because a reporter mixed up the man who mamboed up the Billboard charts in 1999 with the man who walked on the wild side in 1972. “i have been receiving Tons of condolences because of a Journalist confusing our Identities,” the post reads. “Lou Bega sends his condolences to mr.Reeds Family.” Bega’s message was paired with a selfie to assure his admirers — that includes Angela, Pamela, Monica, Erica, Rita, Tina, Sandra, Mary, and Jessica — that he is in fact alive and well.
For thoughtful, informed memorials dedicated to Lou Reed, who passed away at age 71 due to liver disease (via the New York Times), read the following SPIN exclusives:
- Toesucker Blues: Robert Christgau’s Farewell Salute to Lou Reed
- Dave Hickey on Lou Reed: ‘We Have Lost the Master of the Mundane and the Malicious
- The Little Giant: Actor/Director John Cameron Mitchell Remembers His Neighbor, Lou Reed
- Lou Reed, R.I.P.: Hear His Legacy in 15 Tracks
- Five Great Rap Songs That Sample Lou Reed or the Velvet Underground
