There’s no question that Lou Reed is a rock icon with enduring appeal, from the ’60s allure of his leading man status in the Velvet Underground to the solo punk edge of 1972’s “Transformer” to 2000’s “Ecstasy,” hailed as a breakthrough hit by critics and fans alike.

But as a performer, he’s hit and miss, and such is the case on the DVD “Lou Reed: Live at Montreux 2000” (Eagle Rock Entertainment).

“Live at Montreux 2000” was filmed during July 2000 at the height of the “Ecstasy” tour. It’s also Reed’s first and only performance to date at the Montreux Jazz Festival, founded in 1967.

But while Reed may look like a rocker, encased in black leather pants and vest, he’s as stiff as a board. Hardly cracking a smile, he plows through tune after tune off “Ecstasy,” yet ecstatic is definitely not how he appears.

“Paranoid Key of E” starts off the DVD with bursting chords, and Reed’s guitar playing is still darkly alluring with a distorted blues panache. But his face and voice, both deathly serious, rarely waver.

Only on “Ecstasy” does Reed close his eyes and act out the song’s quietly intense words, awash in imagery, by grabbing his own arms. “Future Farmers of America” also picks up some speed, with Reed preaching “kill your master with one cut of your knife” over a driving theme.

In all, however, guitarist Mike Rathke, drummer Tony Smith and bass player Fernando Saunders express more excitement than Reed himself. Where’s Jack White when you need him?

Rock songs like the grinding “Riptide” from 1996’s “Set the Twilight Reeling” or 1989’s glorious “Romeo Had Juliette” ride the same emotional train as softer numbers such as 1972’s famed “Perfect Day,” which ends the set.

Reed’s voice, always known for its “cool” flatness, here sifts sadly into warbling disillusion.

“Oh, it’s such a perfect day, I’m glad I spend it with you,” Reed sings, deadpanning.

But you get the feeling that he wasn’t.