Lou Bega confirms he's still alive after Lou Reed death confusion

Condolences poured in for the Mambo No. 5 singer

Lou Bega has received "tons" of condolences from people who mistook him for the late Lou Reed (Getty Images)

Condolences have poured in for the family and friends of Lou Bega after he was mistaken for rock legend Lou Reed.

The "Mambo No. 5" singer shares a first name with the Velvet Underground vocalist and songwriter who died on Sunday, and said he received "tons of condolences" after his death.

Bega, who is German, found fame in 1999 when his hit single spent two weeks at number one in the UK chart.

On his Facebook page he described Reed as a "genius" and blamed the confusion on a journalist.

"R.I.P Lou Reed the Genius who took Walks on the Wild side," he wrote.

"PS: I have been receiving tons of condolences because of a journalist confusing our identities. Lou Bega sends his condolences to Mr Reed's Family."

The cause of Lou Reed's death has since been confirmed as liver failure, after he had a liver transplant in May 2013.

Founding Velvet Underground member John Cale wrote: "The world has lost a fine songwriter and poet… I've lost my 'school-yard buddy'."