Tom Verlaine dead at 73: Punk guitarist for band Television dies

Punk guitarist Tom Verlaine has died at the age of 73, the daughter of his ex Patti Smith has announced.

Jesse Paris Smith shared a moving tribute to the musician on her Instagram page on Saturday.

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. 

Sad news: Punk guitarist Tom Verlaine has died at the age of 73, the daughter of his ex Patti Smith has announced (pictured in 2014)

Moving words: Jesse Paris Smith shared a moving tribute to the musician on her Instagram page on Saturday

‘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. 

Grieving: Jesse 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’ (Tom pictured in 1980)

Born to perform: He was the lead vocalist and guitarist for the New York City-based band Television from 1973 to 2023 (Television members (L-R) Billy Ficca, Richard Lloyd, Tom Verlaine and Fred Smith pictured in 1976)

‘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 – an American singer, songwriter, poet, painter, and author who was an influential member of the New York punk rock movement – was romantically linked to Tom in the past.

The romance is said to have begun after they met on the punk scene in the Big Apple and they collaborated on a number of projects.

Looking back: Born in Denville, New Jersey on 13 December 1949 Tom’s real name was Tom Miller, with Tom Verlaine being a stage name (pictured in 1978)

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, synthesizing 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.’ 

Born in Denville, New Jersey on 13 December 1949 Tom’s real name was Tom Miller, with Tom Verlaine being a stage name.

Tom’s stage moniker is a reference to French symbolist poet Paul Verlaine.

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

While Television did not experience huge commercial success, his meaningful lyrics were very popular among rock fans.

Tom released eight solo albums between 1979 and 1992. 

Devoted: While Television did not experience huge commercial success, his meaningful lyrics were very popular among rock fans (pictured in 2004)