The lead singer, and guitarist of the influential punk rock band Television, Tom Verlaine sadly passed away on January 28th, 2023 at the age of 73. Verlaine, whose real name was Thomas Miller, had a long and storied career in the music industry, and his death has left many fans wondering about the cause.
His band Television was one of the most significant to come out of the CBGB-centered New York punk rock movement, yet their experimental guitar improvisations and poetry songwriting were never readily categorized as punk or any other genre.
Keep reading to know more about Tom Verlaine, including who he was, how he died, what was the cause of his death, tributes for Tom Verlaine, and a lot more!
Who Was Tom Verlaine?
Thomas Miller professionally known as Tom Verlaine was born on December 13, 1949, in Denville, New Jersey. He studied the piano and the saxophone as a youngster, identifying the Rolling Stones and jazz artist John Coltrane as some of his musical influences. He drew inspiration for his songs from a variety of authors, notably Paul Verlaine, the poet after whom he adopted his stage name.
Together with his friend Richard Hell, Tom first relocated to New York in 1972, and the two of them started a band named the Neon Boys with drummer Billy Ficca. Soon after, they split up before reuniting as Television in March 1973, adding Richard Lloyd as a second guitarist to their original lineup.
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Tom Verlaine Career Highlights:
Verlaine’s influence on the music industry cannot be overstated. He formed Television in 1973 with fellow musician Richard Hell, and the band quickly gained a cult following in the New York City punk scene. Their debut album, “Marquee Moon,” is considered by many to be one of the greatest albums of all time, and it’s considered one of the most important records in the history of punk and alternative rock.
Verlaine’s unique guitar playing style, which combined elements of punk, rock, and jazz, was a major influence on a generation of guitarists. His vocal delivery, characterized by its distinctive drawl, was also a major influence on the punk and alternative rock genres.
In addition to his work with Television, Verlaine also released several solo albums throughout his career. His most notable solo release was “Words From The Front,” which was released in 1982 and featured the single “Kingdom Come.” He also released a number of other albums throughout the years, and his music has been covered by a wide range of artists, including R.E.M. and Sonic Youth.
Although Television only had little commercial success and disbanded after releasing two albums, Mr. Verlaine, who later released several solo albums and occasionally reformed with the group, had a profound impact, particularly on his fellow guitarists.
How Did Tom Verlaine Die? Cause of Death
An acclaimed guitarist and the frontman of the rock band Television, Tom Verlaine, 73, passed away on Saturday, January 28th, 2023 in Manhattan. Verlaine died peacefully in his home surrounded by family and friends.
Some reports and authenticated sources claimed that Tom Verlaine passed away “after a brief illness.”
Although the family did not give any exact cause. While no further details have been released, it is believed that the musician had been in poor health for some time.
Jesse Paris Smith, the daughter of Mr. Verlaine’s friend and artist Patti Smith, made the announcement of Tom’s passing. Saying,
“My heart is bursting with emotion to be able to describe anything, and I’m having a hard time coming up with the right words. Although your soul seems elevated and present everywhere, you have a very weighty feeling inside.”
Also, the information about Tom’s funeral is not revealed by anyone at this time.
Tributes Emerged for Tom Verlaine
Following Verlaine’s death, tributes have poured in from musicians and fans alike. Many have taken to social media to express their sadness at the loss of such a talented musician, and to reflect on the impact that Verlaine had on their own lives and careers.
Billy Doll mentioned something interesting about him, saying,
“He created fantastic music that had a significant impact on the 1970s US and UK punk rock scenes.”
Simon Raymonde wrote, “Genuinely original before or since no one has played the guitar like Tom Verlaine. As close to perfection as you can get was when he sat cross-legged on the stage in Roskilde while playing in Patti Smith’s band.”
Otto Von Biz Markie wrote, “RIP, Tom Verlaine of television, a master of restraint and the negative void, a sparse and graceful lyricist like his symbolist namesake. He could make a guitar sound like lightning striking itself.”
Tom Verlaine’s death is a loss to the music industry. He was a unique and influential musician who will be remembered for his contributions to punk and alternative rock. Although we will miss him, his music will live on and continue to inspire generations to come. Visit our website frequently to read more articles of this type, and don’t forget to send your best wishes to Tom Verlaine’s friends and family by using the comment section below.
Tom Verlaine, I absolutely treasure your music. It is etched into the core of my being. Forever grateful. Flukey.
I was a young journalist in the late 70s, when I first had the opportunity to interview Tom Verlaine. What a magnificent creature he was! In all that’s being written about him following his death, no one seems to mention how beautiful he was, but he was staggeringly beautiful. Regal. Authentic. Dignified. Utterly indifferent to the press, to fame, to rock stardom, whatever that meant, then or now. It was all about the music for Tom, who seemed to reside in a realm entirely different from the rest of us. A vast place where massive chords eyed one another from across the room, where the silence between notes was heavy with meaning, where music had mythical dimension. I interviewed Tom several more times over the years, but he never wanted to tell me anything. Talking wasn’t his thing. He was immeshed in thoughts and feelings and knowledge he generously gave us a glimpse of through his music, but he couldn’t be bothered to discuss or explain it; any answers to be had were there in the sound he created.I am deeply grateful to know and love his music and to have had the privilege of having coffee with him a few times.