RIP Tom Verlaine, Television Guitarist Dead at 73

Tom Verlaine, the wildly inventive and influential guitarist of the band Television, has died at the age of 73.

Verlaine died “after a brief illness,” according to Jesse Paris Smith, the daughter of musician Patti Smith, who announced Verlaine’s death (Verlaine and Smith collaborated numerous times over the years).

"I met Tom when I was a child, not long after my dad passed away," Jesse Paris Smith wrote in a statement to NPR. "In him, I felt the energy of a father, a man to hug, to laugh with, to share in mischievous jokes and wild imagination."

Verlaine is best known for his pioneering work with the band Television. The outfit consisting of Verlaine, drummer Billy Vicca, bassist Fred Smith and guitarist Richard Lloyd released a pair of albums, Marquee Moon (1977) and Adventure (1978), which are considered instant classics that have influenced generations of bands to come in their wake. The lineup released a third and final self-titled studio effort in 1992.

“The Warner Music family is incredibly saddened with the news of Tom Verlaine’s passing, shared Kevin Gore, President of Global Catalog, Recorded Music for Warner Music Group. "Tom was a groundbreaking singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose distinct sound and vast influence have reverberated across every musical generation to follow. Television’s debut album Marquee Moon is a true work of genius; a cultural touchstone that sounds as vital and transcendent today as it did when Elektra released it 45 years ago. We offer our deepest condolences to all who knew, loved, and revered Tom and will continue to celebrate his enduring legacy. Rest In Peace, Tom.”