Tom Verlaine has died at the age of 73.
The punk star was best known as the frontman of New York City rock band Television alongside Billy Fica, Fred Smith and Jimmy Rip, but died on Saturday (28.01.23) after a “brief illness”. Former teammate Patti Smith confirmed
She said: “He died peacefully in New York City, surrounded by close friends. His vision and his imagination will be missed.”
Jessie Paris Smith – who is Patti Smith’s daughter – paid tribute on social media.
Jessie wrote on Instagram: “Dear Tom. Love is endless and forever. My heart is too full to share now, and finding the words is too deep a struggle. The feeling inside is so deep. Heavy, though your soul is light. And lifted up, it is everywhere, completely and truly free.
“I love you forever and ever, and will always remember and hold the touch of your hand – the hand of a beautiful creator and the warmest, tenderest, most tender and truest love anyone has ever known.” can only dream. There was and never will be another like you. What a blessing and a gift I have been given to share my time on earth with you. See you later, see you wherever you go. Thank you for your guidance.”
The ‘Prove It’ rocker founded Television with school friend Richard Hale in 1973 and, after recruiting Richard Lloyd, they began touring clubs the following year and, with Richard’s departure and the addition of Fred Smith. Later, finally released his debut album ‘Marquee’. 1977’s Moon’, which – despite selling less than 80,000 copies in the US and barely cracking the top 30 in the UK – is generally regarded as one of the defining releases of the punk era.
Their second album ‘Adventure’ peaked at #7 in the UK but the group waited 14 years before releasing their third and final album ‘Television’ but have since continued to tour the world.
