American rock band formed in New York in 1964 by Lou Reed…

American rock band formed in New York in 1964 by Lou Reed and John Cale, joined by guitarist Sterling Morrison and drummer Maureen Tucker. Managed by Andy Warhol, it recorded a debut album with the German singer Nico, whose sleeve featured a peelable banana. Songs such as Heroin, Sweet Jane and Venus in Furs explored taboo subjects. Commercially modest, the group proved hugely influential on punk, alternative and indie rock.

The answer in 20 letters