.jpg?width=1200&auto=webp&trim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0)
Richard Lloyd, the guitarist who helped define the sound of the influential rock group Television, has died. He was 75.
Television formed in 1973 and were an early fixture at New York club CBGB. Their 1977 debut album Marquee Moon is considered one of the greatest records to emerge from the punk scene and a forerunner of the post-punk sound.
Lloyd’s death was announced by his family, who said in a statement that he died of cholangiocarcinoma, a bile duct cancer. The New York Times reports he was initially diagnosed in March.
The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr was among the many to pay tribute, writing on Instagram: “R.I.P Richard Lloyd. A seeker and finder and a true inspiration with and without the guitar. It was an honour to know him and a blessing to have been a fan. Thank you Richard. Carry on my friend.”
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on October 25, 1951, Lloyd attended high school in Manhattan. He initially learned to play drums before setting his heart on becoming a renowned guitar player.
After periods living in Boston and Los Angeles, Lloyd returned to New York where he formed Television with singer-guitarist Tom Verlaine, bassist Richard Hell and drummer Billy Ficca.
The band were part of the exciting New York scene that emerged around CBGB, along with the likes of the Ramones, Blondie and Talking Heads.
After Hell left the band to start the Heartbreakers, Blondie bassist Fred Smith replaced him. They subsequently signed with Elektra Records, who released 1977’s widely acclaimed Marquee Moon and 1978 follow-up Adventure.
The band split not long after, and Lloyd released 1979’s Alchemy, the first of a string of seven solo records.
Television reunited in the early 1990s, and performed a string of live dates including an appearance at Glastonbury Festival in England in 1992. Verlaine died in 2023 at the age of 73.
“I wanted to make a dent in rock history,” Lloyd told Guitar World earlier this year. “That was my goal, and that came true.
“We made a difference with how rock was thought of. I’m proud of that. Tom didn’t want to talk about that… he thought he was above mentioning the past. But I’m extremely proud. I know we made a difference.”
Lloyd Cole, of Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, joined those paying tribute and wrote on X: “I just heard. RIP Richard Lloyd. I only saw Television once - All those amazing riffs that drive the songs - Richard played them all.”
Lloyd is survived by his wife, Sheila O’Keefe Lloyd and his son, Dylan.
Macklemore accuses nine US venues of blocking an extended ‘Free Palestine’ tour
Bono says maintaining U2 band dynamic has ‘got harder’ because of ‘male ego’
John Lydon shares verdict on Sex Pistols tour with new singer
Iconic guitar valued at £30,000 put up for auction
Bono says ‘not up to’ working with Trump on humanitarian causes despite invitation
