The likes of Simon Cowell and David Bowie have paid tribute to Lou Reed following his death.

News of the legendary Velvet Underground mainman's passing at age 71 from a "liver-related ailment" was revealed on Sunday (October 27).

The singer and songwriter had undergone a liver transplant in May but it is said he had been suffering problems for "a few months" post-operation.

Simon Cowell paid tribute to Reed on Twitter, saying: "So sad to hear Lou reed has passed away. A legend."

David Bowie meanwhile said on his Facebook page that Reed was a "master".

The singer's former Velvet Underground bandmate John Cale wrote on his website: "The world has lost a fine songwriter and poet…I've lost my 'school-yard buddy."

Iggy Pop meanwhile said Reed's passing was "devastating news".

Adam Lambert simply wrote "RIP Lou Reed" on his Twitter page.

He released a series of solo albums in an expansive career that ended with 2011's 'Lulu', a collaborative album with Metallica.

The Velvet Underground meanwhile were active between 1964 and 1973 and they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

Reed, who was born in New York in 1942, is survived by his wife Laurie Anderson.