Tom Verlaine, frontman of US band Television, dies after ‘brief illness’ aged 73

Tom Verlaine, frontman of 70s punk band Television, has died at the age of 73, with tributes flowing for the influential artist.

Guitarist and frontman of US band Television, Tom Verlaine, has died at the age of 73, the daughter of his ex Patti Smith has confirmed.

Jesse Paris Smith, the 36-year-old daughter of legendary singer-songwriter Patti, penned a moving tribute to Verlaine on her Instagram page today.

Verlaine, who was born Thomas Miller, died “after a brief illness,” according to Jesse.

A wave of tributes to the influential guitarist have flooded social media. Picture: Darren Eagles/Getty Images.

She wrote: “Dearest Tom. The love is immense and forever. My heart is too intensely full to share everything now, and finding the words is too deep of a struggle.

“The feeling is inside is so heavy, though your spirit is light and lifted, it is everywhere, completely and truly free.

“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 that one can ever dream.

“There has never been another like you and there never will be. What a blessing and gift I was given to share my time on earth with you.

“I will be grateful to the end of my life, and we will see you again beyond that, meeting you there wherever you’ve gone. Thank you leading the way.”

Jesse’s mother Patti Smith was an influential member of the New York punk rock movement in the ‘70s, and is understood to have sparked up a romance with Verlaine after they collaborated on a number of musical projects.

On his birthday at the end of last month, Patti paid tribute to Tom on her Instagram page.

She wrote: “There is none like Tom, synthesising Coltranesque improvisation, surf music and Sufi like mysticism, to form his unique style, highlighted by masterful use of the tremolo bar on his Fender Jazz. Master.”

Today, she shared a black and white photo with Tom, with the caption: “This is a time when all seemed possible. Farewell Tom, aloft the Omega.”

Verlaine, whose stage name is a reference to French poet Paul Verlaine, was born Thomas Miller in Denville, New Jersey on 13 December 1949.

He was the lead vocalist and guitarist for the New York City-based band Television from 1973 to 2023.

Television released two albums, Marquee Moon and Adventure, to great critical acclaim but modest sales.

While the band did not experience huge commercial success, Marquee Moon is considered one of the defining releases of the punk era.

The band broke up in July 1978 but Verlaine embarked on a solo career, releasing eight albums between 1979 and 1992.

Tributes have begun to flood social media for the influential artist.

Peace and love, Tom Verlaine. 💔 pic.twitter.com/zewZz0sJQn

— Susanna Hoffs (@SusannaHoffs) January 28, 2023

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 x https://t.co/6HAwg5k9PS

— stuart braithwaite (@plasmatron) January 28, 2023

Appears to be true: 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. #TomVerlainehttps://t.co/e62cTZyYLF

— Mike Scott (@MickPuck) January 28, 2023

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.”

Susanna Hoffs, founding member of The Bangles wrote “Peace and love, Tom Verlaine” followed by a broken heart emoji.

Stuart Braithwaite of the band Mogwai tweeted: “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.”