Television guitarist Richard Lloyd dies aged 75

Television guitarist Richard Lloyd has died aged 75, a post on his former band’s social media has confirmed.

Pennsylvania-born Lloyd appeared on all of the influential New York punk band’s studio albums, Marquee Moon (1977), Adventure (1978) and their self-titled third LP released in 1992. He had been diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a form of bile duct cancer, in March.

A post on Television’s X account said: “We are so very sad that Richard Lloyd has today passed away at the age of 75.

“Deepest condolences to Sheila and to all of his family and friends.”

With Television, Lloyd’s angular guitar style informed what would become the post punk and indie movements, with bands such as Pixies, Sonic Youth and Gang Of Four crediting them as an influence.

Former The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr was among those paying tribute to Lloyd, posting on Instagram: “RIP 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.”

Singer Lloyd Cole also paid tribute, posting 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.”

Television are best known for their 10-minute epic Marquee Moon, from the album of the same name, which reached number 30 in the UK singles chart and is known for its repetitive guitar riff, while they also had two further hits with Foxhole and Prove It.

They were one of the first punk bands to play at the legendary CBGB’s club in New York, which would go on to launch the careers of bands such as Blondie, Patti Smith and The Ramones, with the venue having previously been intended to host country and bluegrass.

The band’s line-up on their first album was made up of Lloyd, singer and guitarist Tom Verlaine, bass player Fred Smith and drummer Billy Ficca.

Verlaine died in 2023, aged 73, having been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and Television disbanded following his death.

Alongside his work with the band, Lloyd also released nine studio albums beginning with 1979’s Alchemy.

He married his wife Sheila O’Keefe in 2010, he also had a son named Dylan.