An iconic band of the New York punk rock scene in the second half of the 1970s, Television became a revered and influential group known for its music, which featured complex guitar arrangements, improvisations, and a style often associated with art-punk and proto-post-punk.
The group was formed in 1973 by Tom Verlaine (vocals, guitar, and keyboards), Richard Lloyd (guitar and vocals), Richard Hell (vocals and bass), and Billy Ficca (drums). In their early years, the legendary CBGB club established itself as the quartet’s main stage. Tensions between Verlaine and Hell led to the latter’s departure in 1975. Richard Hell then co-founded The Heartbreakers with Johnny Thunders (formerly of the New York Dolls) and later formed Richard Hell and the Voidoids.
Hell was replaced by bassist Fred Smith, who had played in Blondie’s early lineup. In 1977, Television released Marquee Moon. The debut album, critically acclaimed for its elaborate instrumental arrangements, did not achieve great commercial success in the United States but established itself as one of the greatest influences on alternative rock.
Their second album, Adventure, was released in 1978 but failed to match the impact of its predecessor. That same year, the band disbanded, and Verlaine and Lloyd pursued solo careers. The group reunited in 1992 to release a self-titled album and, over the following decades, performed sporadically.
Tom Verlaine passed away in January 2023 at the age of 73, and Fred Smith died on February 5, 2026, at the age of 77.
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