Television guitarist/vocalist Tom Verlaine died Saturday (1/28/23) at the age of 73 after a short illness. One of the most respected guitarists and composers of his time Verlaine was a vital figure in the New York 70s rock scene that influenced countless musicians.
With his progressive guitar techniques (delay, reverb) that roared with a psychic prowess unheard of at that time, Television became one of the forerunners in the early post-punk era with their first two highly influential albums Marquee Moon and Adventure. Verlaine also released ten solo albums his most recent being two in 2006 on the Thrill Jockey Label. While not as prolific in the studio in recent years, Verlaine’s sound could be heard from new bands like Pavement, Parquet Courts and The Strokes.
Check out Television performing “Foxhole” live and read some other reactions to Verlaine’s death on Twitter below…
Aww man…rest well, Tom Verlaine pic.twitter.com/rxCcUNYtVi
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) January 28, 2023
Sad 2 hear of @TELE_VISION_TV #tomverlaine passing today. He made incredible music that greatly influenced the US & UK punk rock scene in the ‘70’s RIP pic.twitter.com/hbntmsLqMm
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) January 28, 2023
Beautifully lyrical guitarist, underrated vocalist. Television made a new kind of music and inspired new kinds of music. Marquee Moon is a perfect record. Requiescat.
????https://t.co/uxt7IMz2rO— steve albini (@electricalWSOP) January 28, 2023
listened to Marquee Moon 1000 times. And I mean LISTENED, sitting still, lights down low taking it all in. awe and wonder every time. Will listen 1000 more. Tom Verlaine is one of the greatest rock musicians ever. He effected the way John and I play immeasurably. Fly on Tom.
— Flea (@flea333) January 29, 2023
Never got to see him (Damnit!). I will say that our band has extremely diverse taste and only a few artists are 100% unanimous amongst us (especially when you include our former members), but Television is definitely among them. RIP Tom Verlaine. And Thanks!
— Drive-By Truckers (@drivebytruckers) January 29, 2023
