A mint, unused example of the Genesis Publications book Transformer, hand signed by Lou Reed and photographer Mick Rock.

Transformer, a collaboration between Reed and Rock, was published by in October 2013 in a limited-edition of 2000 copies.  There were two formats: a collector’s edition of 1650 copies, and a deluxe edition of 350.

All of the copies were to be hand signed by both authors, but tragically Reed died on October 23, 2013, having signed only a few hundred of the collector’s edition.  Genesis withdrew the collector’s edition soon after, finally reissuing it in 2017 with a Lou Reed estate stamp in place of his signature.

This is one of the few copies of the collector’s edition hand signed by both Reed and Rock.   The original purchaser noted he had pre-ordered two copies of the signed collector’s edition, and when they arrived, he opened this copy (#399 of 2000) only to inspect it.  Soon after he learned Lou had died, and “a few days after, Genesis had stopped selling it.”

This beautiful example is in as new condition, still in in its original cardboard mailing box.   With Recordmecca’s written lifetime guarantee of authenticity.

From the Genesis website:

In November 1972, Transformer launched Lou Reed from the underground way up to Mars, with a little help from Starman Bowie. Mick Rock was there to capture Reed’s flight on film, beginning with the iconic album cover and continuing through the wild side of the Seventies.

40 years later, Lou Reed, rock icon, artist and poet, collaborated with legendary photographer Mick Rock in one of the most visually exciting books Genesis has ever produced.

Images from throughout the Seventies chronicle Lou’s transformations from the unique perspective of a close friend. Transformer presents Lou’s choice of photographs, from the famous to the never-before-seen.

‘I like Mick and I like what he photographs, so shooting with him was never a problem. All these moments would be gone forever if it wasn’t for him.’ Lou Reed 

Showcasing several of Lou’s album covers, beginning with Transformer – a lucky development that established Mick and Lou’s 40-year friendship and became one of the most iconic images of modern music. The book also features unseen outtakes, studio sessions, spontaneous shots and friends including Andy Warhol, Mick Jagger, Iggy Pop and David Bowie.

‘Many people asked me to do a Transformer book, but when I knew Genesis wanted to do it, that was it. I wasn’t going to do it without Lou. It’s a collaboration. He chose the pictures that he loved.’ Mick Rock

Lou and Mick discuss the photographs and their friendship in a completely original, no-holds-barred dialogue. The authors recall walking 60 blocks of New York in the snow, the ‘TV tour’, staying awake for nights on end creating visuals and discussing poetry. Their mutual admiration and affection is apparent throughout the book, through both their words and the candour displayed in the photographs.

Published in a limited edition of 2,000 books, each copy of Transformer is signed by Mick Rock and authenticated with a Lou Reed Estate Stamp. Additionally, a limited edition 7″ vinyl picture disc featuring the tracks ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ and ‘Coney Island Baby’ is included.

Lou and Mick’s Transformer image is recreated on the cover of this craft-bound book, with a variety of foil detailing. Printed on heavyweight Italian art and trace papers, the book is finished with gilt page edging. The large format edition is presented in a slipcase, with Mick’s annotated contact strips inset.

‘When I saw the book, I was just overwhelmed by how beautiful it is. It brought back all that energy and all that virility, captured over that period of time. The book is like an energy bomb. And it’s beautiful.’ Lou Reed

• Binding:
  Lou and Mick’s Transformer image is recreated by hand on the cover of this craft-bound book in black, white and gold foil detailing.
• Box:
  The large format edition (290mm x 390mm / 11.5″ x 15.5″) is presented in a slipcase, with Mick’s annotated contact strips inset.
• Extras:
  Additionally, a limited edition 7″ vinyl, a picture disc featuring the tracks ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ and ‘Coney Island Baby’ is enclosed.