Tom Verlaine, singer and guitarist for punk band Television, has died aged 73. Jesse Paris Smith, Patti Smith’s daughter, confirmed the musician’s death to Rolling Stone on Saturday (January 28) – according to which he died after a “brief illness”. “He died peacefully in New York City, surrounded by close friends. We will miss his vision and imagination,” Smith said.
“This is a time when anything seemed possible,” Patti Smith shared in an Instagram tribute, which included a photo of her and Verlaine. “Farewell Tom, aloft the Omega.”
Thurston Moore and Flea were also among the first colleagues to comment on Tom Verlaine’s death on social media.
Went by the book stalls outside Strand yesterday thinking I’d see you as usual, have a smoke, talk about rare poetry finds for a couple of hours, downtown NYC racing by our slow meditations on music, writing – gonna miss you Tom. TV Rest In Peace.
— Thurston Moore (@nowjazznow) January 28, 2023
On the Life of Tom Verlaine
Verlaine was born Thomas Miller – he borrowed his stage name from the French poet Paul Verlaine. He formed his first bands with schoolmate and later punk icon Richard Hell, including the short-lived band Neon Boys, before they formed Lloyd Television with guitarist Richard Lloyd in 1973.
When Hell left the band, the duo developed an innovative guitar sound that combined punk and jazz elements. To this day, their album “Marquee Moon” is one of the most legendary albums of that time.
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
After another album together, Verlaine decided to try his luck solo. In 1979 he released his self-titled solo album, which also features the song “Kingdom Come”. This was recorded a year later by David Bowie for his 1980 LP Scary Monsters & Super Freaks.