MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

How did Tom Verlaine die? Legendary guitarist, songwriter and co-founder of Television was 73

Verlaine was regarded as one of the more accomplished musicians to emerge from the now-defunct CBGBs bar on New York's Bowery

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Tom Verlaine, the iconic guitarist, singer, and frontman of the New York City band Television died at the age of 73 in the city. His death was reported by Jesse Paris Smith, daughter of longtime companion and friend Patti Smith, who stated that he died "after a brief illness".

Thomas Miller, who was born in New Jersey on December 13, 1949, was the name under which Verlaine spent most of his boyhood in Wilmington, Delaware. In 1973, the guitarist formed Television with Richard Hell, Billy Ficca, and Richard Lloyd, about five years after relocating to New York City in 1968. Two years later, after Hell left the band, Fred Smith was hired, as reported by MSN.

READ MORE

How did Jeff Beck die? Legendary rock guitarist, 78, was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice

Keith Levene: Legendary guitarist and The Clash co-founder dies at 65

The Guardian reported, Verlaine, the band's lead vocalist, and primary songwriter started dating poet and musician Patti Smith at the period when New York's punk scene was just getting started. Over the years, the two would work together frequently.

In their prime, Television released albums like 'Marquee Moon' and 'Adventure' and had three UK Top 40 smash singles. But they found greater success in Britain than in their own America, as reported by BBC News. The group went on to record their second album 'Adventure' in 1978 following a tour that same year. They split up shortly after and Verlaine started a solo career. Nearly 14 years after their breakup, the band reformed in 1991 and created an album titled 'Television for Capitol Records'. The group split up again in 1993, so the reunion was just temporary.

Yahoo Entertainment reports that in addition to Television, Verlaine began his solo career in 1979 and has since put out 10 albums. He frequently worked with other musicians such as Patti Smith and contributed guitar to two tracks on Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha's 2012 solo album 'Look to the Sky'.

Jesse Paris Smith, who was one of those who paid tribute to Verlaine, wrote on Instagram, “I love you always and forever, and will always remember and hold close the touch of your hand – hands of a beautiful creator and of a love more warm, tender, delicate and true than one can ever dream. There has never been another like you and there never will be.” 

Tributes started pouring in after the news of Verlaine's death broke out. Mike Scott of The Waterboys tweeted, "Tom Verlaine has passed over to the beyond that his guitar playing always hinted at. He was the best rock and roll guitarist of all time, and like Hendrix could dance from the spheres of the cosmos to garage rock. That takes a special greatness."

He added, "Tom Verlaine … first heard on Patti Smith’s “Hey Joe” and “Break It Up”, and Television’s “Little Johnny Jewel”, the most incredible, otherworldly guitar playing. Jazzblown, fantastic, inspired. Never surpassed, never equalled except by himself.”

Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai wrote, “Devastated by this news. Tom Verlaine was a true great. His role in our culture and straight up awesomeness on the electric guitar was completely legendary. Name 10 minutes of music as good as Marquee Moon. You can’t. It’s perfect. Rest in peace Tom.”

His fans were as devastated as his family members and friends, with one writing, "No! I didn’t see them when they played Gateshead roughly 2014 but always planned on righting that wrong. honestly a phenomenal guitarist." Another fan said, "Had the brevity and economy of guitar that sat well with punk and then new wave. If you judge him before or after 1976, he was stunning either way. Thanks Tom." A third chimed in, "absolute legend :(."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.