Tom Verlaine, guitarist and co-founder of the band Television, has died at 73

Co-founder and guitarist punk rock group tv, Tom Verlaine has reportedly died at the age of 73.

The musician passed away with friends in New York City after a brief illness.

“He is noted for his angular lyrics and pointed lyrics, a sly wit and an ability to stir every string to its truest emotion,” his publicist said. “His vision and his imagination will fail.”

Thomas Miller was born into a family in New Jersey, Tom adopted ‘Verlaine’ after the French symbolic poet Paul Verlaine.

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Tom Verlaine of the music group TV has died aged 73 after a short illness.
(Ebbett Roberts/Redferns)

Verlaine, along with classmate and friend Richard Hell, dropped out of high school and formed the early ’70s proto-punk band Neon Boys, which disbanded in 1973. The group later reunited months later under the new name Television.

His guitar playing was instrumental in the rock community and, despite the rocker’s limited commercial success, inspired future musicians, as evidenced by the numerous tributes that have accrued to the rocker.

Tom Verlaine is performing here on TV in 2019.

Tom Verlaine is performing here on TV in 2019.
(Darren Eagles)

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“Peace and love, Tom Verlaine,” wrote The Bangles co-founder Susannah Hoffs, along with a heartbroken emoji.

“I’ve lost a hero,” REM frontman Michael Stipe wrote on Twitter. “You introduced me to a world that turned my life upside down. I am forever grateful.”

Billy Idol also shared his praise for Verlaine, writing on Twitter, “Sad to see the passing of @TELE_VISION_TV #tomverlaine today. He made incredible music that greatly influenced the US & UK punk rock scene in the 70’s RIP.”

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During their heyday, Verlaine and Television played at New York City spot CBGB’s. along with Patti Smith, The Ramones and many other rockstars.

Smith shared a black-and-white photo of the two on his Instagram, writing, “It was a time when everything seemed possible. Farewell Tom, Aloft the Omega.”

Best known for their debut album, “Marquee Moon“Television eventually broke up in 1978. Hell had previously been kicked out of the group by Verlaine in 1975.

Billy Fica, Richard Lloyd, Tom Verlaine and television's Fred Smith pose for the photo.

Billy Fica, Richard Lloyd, Tom Verlaine and Television’s Fred Smith pose for the photo.
(Roberta Bailey/Redferns)

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In 1992, the band reformed. They have played internationally, occasionally, over the years.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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