Tom Verlaine, guitarist, singer and principal songwriter of Television, died in Manhattan on January 28, 2023, at 73. A publicist confirmed the death, which followed a brief illness.

Born Thomas Miller, he took his stage name in tribute to French poet Paul Verlaine. Television was one of the central bands at CBGB in New York, alongside the Ramones, Patti Smith and Blondie.

The group released Marquee Moon in 1977, a record of angular guitars and oblique lyrics that became a reference for post-punk and alternative rock. Adventure followed in 1978, before the band split.

Verlaine also built a solo career and collaborated with artists including Patti Smith, David Bowie and Sonic Youth. His death prompted tributes from musicians across generations.