AceShowbiz -

Former The Velvet Underground frontman Lou Reed has begged off from his Coachella Valley Arts and Music Festival stint this April, citing "unavoidable complications" as the reason for his pull out. As a result, the 71-year-old vocalist/guitarist also had to cancel three other California shows sandwiched in between the two weekend music festival.

Reed's name has thus been removed from the April 12 and April 19 roster of Coachella players which will be headlined by such music acts as The Stone Roses, Blur, Phoenix, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The legendary musician's three shows in San Francisco, Monterey, and Los Angeles set for April 14, April 16, and April 17, respectively, scheduled within his Coachella participation were likewise canceled.

"This show has been cancelled due to unavoidable complications," announced the web page of the Orpheum Theatre where Reed was supposed to hold his L.A. concert. Goldenvoice, promoter of Reed's The Warfield, San Francisco show and Golden State Theatre, Monterey performance, will refund customers at the tickets' point of purchase.

Fans wanting to see Reed perform hits from his Velvet Underground days will be disappointed to hear he has backed out of the music fest. However, the event will not be short on performers as a load of other acts are also joining the festival and supporting the said headliners.