Tom Verlaine TV Band’s lead guitarist and frontman — has died.
His former partner’s daughter, Jessie Smith, confirmed his death to the New York Times on Saturday, saying he died in Manhattan after a brief illness. No other details were shared.
Verlaine and co. The group was hugely influential in the 70s rock era, carving out a new sound known today as mainstream punk and alt rock. They started out as the main act of the CBGB club in New York … a musical mecca.
Television’s debut album, ‘Marquee Moon,’ is considered a masterpiece and their defining contribution to pop culture … and went on to shape the sound of bands after them.
The band broke up a bit after the 70s, and Verlaine went on to have a solid solo career in the 80s and 90s…making a whopping 9 albums on his own. He and Television reunited in 92 for their third and final album. They have been around together for years.
Verlaine is considered one of the greatest guitarists of the 20th century… where savants join Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Eddie Van Halen and more.
He is 73 years old.
to tear
