The first line-up was formed in New York City consisting of Lou Reed on vocals and guitar, John Cale on several instruments (viola, keyboards and bass), Sterling Morrison on guitar and bass and Angus MacLise on percussion (replaced by Maureen Tucker in November 1965).

VU released their second studio album White Light/White Heat, which peaked at number 199 of the Billboard charts.

[2] In March 1969 they released the third studio album The Velvet Underground, their first project with Cale's replacement Doug Yule.

After his departure, Yule became the new frontman of The Velvet Underground and toured together with Willie Alexander (keyboard), Walter Powers (bass guitar), Maureen Tucker (drums) and other musicians.

In 1973, he recorded their fifth and last regular studio album, Squeeze,[5] which for some time dropped out of the official discography.