Tom Verlaine dies at 73: the punk guitarist of the 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 his Instagram page on Saturday.

She wrote: ‘Dear Tom. Love is immense and forever. My heart is too intensely full to share it all now, and finding the words is too deep a struggle.

‘The feeling inside is so heavy, although your spirit is light and high, it is everywhere, completely and truly free.

‘I love you always and forever, and I will always remember and keep close the touch of your hand, hands of a beautiful creator and of a love that is warmer, tenderer, more delicate and true than one can dream of.

‘There has never been another like you and there never will be. What a blessing and gift you gave me to share my time on earth with you.

I will be grateful to you until the end of my life, and we will see you again beyond, finding you wherever you have gone. Thanks for leading the way.

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

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

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

While Television did not experience great commercial success, its meaningful lyrics were very popular with rock fans.

Tom released eight solo albums between 1979 and 1992.