Frail Lou Reed walks with a stick as he ventures out for the first time following liver transplant

He has told his fans he plans to be back on stage as soon as possible following his liver transplant.
And Lou Reed took a giant stride towards this goal after he was spotted in public for the first time following the procedure in New York on Thursday.
The 71-year-old rocker looked frail after meeting up with some friends to enjoy a relaxed lunch in the Big Apple.

A walk on the wild side: The music legend spotted out in public for the first time following liver transplant

Farewell kiss: Lou Reed gave a friend a peck on the cheek after they enjoyed lunch in New York on Thursday

It only emerged last weekend he had underwent the procedure, with wife Laurie Anderson revealing he had nearly died before undergoing a life saving operation.
So it is understandable the Walk On The Wild Side star was using a cane as he ventured out for a meal at the trendy Extra Virgin eatery.
The reformed wildman, who was renowned for his drug and alcohol abuse, went for a typically dressed down look of leather jacket, T-shirt and casual brown shoes.
In an defiant message posted on his website, he credited tai chi with his survival, saying: "I am a triumph of modern medicine, physics and chemistry. I am bigger and stronger than ever.

Border-ing on the annoying: Lou did not look too pleased when a terrier veered into his path

'My Chen Taiji and health regimen has served me well all of these years, thanks to Master Ren Guang-yi.
'I look forward to being on stage performing, and writing more songs to connect with your hearts and spirits and the universe well into the future.'
His performance artist wife had said she his transplant had 'went very well,' and clarified on his website that when she said 'he would never fully recover,' she was talking mentalkly rather than physically.

His new best friend: But he will have been pleased when the cunning canine moved out of his way

The Velvet Underground star has a long history of taking drugs, especially heroin, though stopped using them several years ago.
He previously said: 'I take drugs just because, in the 20th century, in a technological age living in the city, there are certain drugs you have to take just to keep yourself normal like a caveman, just to bring yourself up or down.'

First steps to recovery: The music star has said he has every intention of returning to the stage

Feeling fine: Lou credited tai chi on his website for aiding his recovery and claimed he is a triumph of modern medicine

Back in the saddle: The former Velvet Underground singer said he will be making new music and performing again soon