Tributes are pouring in to Television frontman/guitarist Tom Verlaine, who died yesterday (Jan. 28) at the age of 73 following a short illness. Longtime collaborator Patti Smith was among the first to honor Verlaine with a throwback photo, writing, “This is a time when all seemed possible. Farewell Tom, aloft the Omega.”
In a separate message today on her Substack newsletter, Smith added, “words cannot express my sorrow for the loss nor the joy for having known him. All who loved his music may wish to play his records. I am offering ‘Break It Up.’ It’s the song that Tom and I composed for Horses in 1975. The lyrics reflect a dream I had of the death and imagined resurrection of Jim Morrison. Tom’s uniquely beautiful and expressive guitar work can be heard throughout. Today on my Instagram I wrote that grieving is not an affliction but a privilege. And so I believe. Wishing everyone a peaceful Sunday perhaps filled with music.”
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Sad 2 hear of @TELE_VISION_TV #tomverlaine passing today. He made incredible music that greatly influenced the US & UK punk rock scene in the ‘70’s RIP pic.twitter.com/hbntmsLqMm
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) January 28, 2023
Beautifully lyrical guitarist, underrated vocalist. Television made a new kind of music and inspired new kinds of music. Marquee Moon is a perfect record. Requiescat.
?https://t.co/uxt7IMz2rO— steve albini (@electricalWSOP) January 28, 2023
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
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vurnt22 SongOfTheDay 01/28/23 Little Johnny Jewel, by Television. Tom Verlaine was a guitarist of bravado, nuance, weirdness & formality. I’ve heard hints of the influence of both Fripp & Howe in bits of his playing, running counter to Punk orthodoxy.
In a way?
The MOST Punk
?— Vernon Reid (@vurnt22) January 29, 2023
Peace and love, Tom Verlaine. ? pic.twitter.com/zewZz0sJQn
— Susanna Hoffs (@SusannaHoffs) January 28, 2023
Most nights we walk onstage to Marquee Moon- RIP to Tom Verlaine, the realest deal
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) January 28, 2023
I met Tom Verlaine when he just arrived in NYC I guess '72. He had long hair and came to my apartment with an acoustic guitar and played some songs he'd written. Both Tom and Richard Hell have told me that I auditioned for the Neon Boys but I don't remember.
— Cʜʀɪs Sᴛᴇɪɴ (@chrissteinplays) January 28, 2023
No. Not Tom Verlaine. ?
— Garbage (@garbage) January 28, 2023
