Legendary punk musician Tom Verlaine has sadly passed away aged 73.
The rocker was the frontman of the rock band Television, known for their influence on the punk rock music scene in New York.
Jesse Paris Smith, the daughter of Patti Smith, announced the musician’s death, explaining he died “after a brief illness”.
READ NEXT: Faithless star Maxi Jazz dies ‘in his sleep’ as devastated band mates confirms news
While the band had limited commercial success themselves, initially releasing just two studio albums, Tom’s name became a reference point for guitarists everywhere over the years.
Tom – who passed away in Manhattan – was also the lead singer of Television and undertook the bulk of the band’s songwriting duties.
(Image: Getty Images)
Born Thomas Miller, as a child he studied piano and saxophone, citing his musical influences as everything from the Rolling Stones to jazz musician John Coltrane.
In his songwriting, he drew inspiration from several sources including the poet Paul Verlaine – from whom he took his stage name.
Tom originally moved to new York in 1972 alongside his friend Richard Hell and they formed a group called the Neon Boys alongside drummer Billy Ficca.
They disbanded soon after before reforming in March 1973 as Television adding a second guitarist to their original lineup, Richard Lloyd.
(Image: Dosfotos/REX/Shutterstock)
The band played their first gig a year later in March 1974. By 1975 Hell quit the group and they released their first single with Fred Smith who replaced him.
Television went on to release two albums – Marquee Moon and Adventure, with the first consider one of the great works of the punk era.
They broke up in July 1978, with Tom starting a solo career in the 1980s and living in the UK for a period of time.
Television eventually got back together in 1992 and release a self-titled third album as well as making a return to live shows.
(Image: Redferns)
Friends of the musician rushed to Twitter to pay tribute to him upon hearing of his death.
Susanna Hoffs of iconic 80s band The Bangles posted: “Peace and love, Tom Verlaine,” adding a broken heart emoji.
Mike Scott of The Waterboys offered his condolences writing: “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 then 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.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.
READ NEXT:
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
