Television (music group)
Television is an American music group known for its significant role in the 1970s underground rock scene, particularly in New York City. Formed in 1973, the band was led by guitarist and vocalist Tom Verlaine, along with Richard Lloyd, Richard Hell, and Billy Ficca. They gained attention for their unique sound, which blended punk rock with intricate guitar work and extended instrumental sections, distinguishing themselves from the conventional punk music of their time. Their debut album, *Marquee Moon* (1977), is often regarded as a groundbreaking release, influencing subsequent genres like post-punk and indie rock, despite modest initial sales. Following the release of their second album, *Adventure* (1978), the group faced internal conflicts that led to a breakup.
Television reunited in the early 1990s, releasing their self-titled album in 1992, which received favorable reviews but did not replicate the success of *Marquee Moon*. The band continued to perform sporadically, with various lineup changes, including the departure of Lloyd in 2007. Throughout their career, Television has left a lasting impact on the music industry, and their legacy was further solidified by tributes following Verlaine's passing in January 2023.
Television (music group)
Television was an American music group predominately active in the 1970s. Led by Tom Verlaine, the band emerged out of the underground rock music scene in New York City. Television released several albums, including Marquee Moon (1977), Adventure (1978), and Television (1992). Marquee Moon in particular had a significant influence on the music world. Many critics consider it a groundbreaking album. Although Television completed its most important work in the 1970s, the group continued to be involved in the music industry for the next several decades.
Formation and Early Years
Television formed in late 1973 in New York City. The original lineup consisted of guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter Tom Verlaine (1949–2023; born Thomas Miller); rhythm guitarist Richard Lloyd (1951–); bassist Richard Hell (1949–); and drummer Billy Ficca (1950–). Verlaine, Hell, and Ficca had formed a band called the Neon Boys in 1972. With the addition of Lloyd the following year, the band became Television. One of the group's main influences was the Velvet Underground.
Soon after forming, Television began playing at CBGB, a historic New York City nightclub and music venue. The group also began playing other New York City venues, including Max's Kansas City. The group developed a significant following and was fully immersed in the New York City punk rock scene. However, Television did not play conventional punk music at their shows. Instead they played music that featured chiming guitars and extended instrumental jams.
In 1975, Television recorded a demo tape with legendary producer Brian Eno. That same year, Hell left the group to form the Heartbreakers and, later, the Voidoids. He was replaced by bassist Fred Smith (1948–), who had been the bassist for Blondie. Shortly afterward, the band released "Little Johnny Jewel," an independent single that became an underground hit. The group then released a British EP in 1976. The single and the EP led to the band's subsequent signing with Elektra Records, a major record label.
Marquee Moon
Television's debut album, Marquee Moon, was released in 1977. The album features aggressive, punky songs with sophisticated guitar work, extended instrumental sections, and Verlaine's poetic lyrics. Notable songs on the album include "See No Evil," "Venus," "Friction," and "Marquee Moon," which are the album's first four songs, respectively. Perhaps the most noteworthy song on the album, "Marquee Moon" showcases the dueling guitars of Verlaine and Lloyd for more than ten minutes. Furthermore, the song does not have a discernible chorus or traditional melody. "Elevation," "Guiding Light," "Prove It," and "Torn Curtain" round out the remaining songs on the album.
Marquee Moon initially had meager sales in the United States, but critics heralded it as a pioneering album. The album had a significant impact on post-punk rock. It also foreshadowed the synth pop of the 1980s and the indie rock of the 1990s. In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Marquee Moon number 128 on its 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.
Adventure and Breakup
Television released its next album, Adventure, in 1978. The album is softer, quieter, and less aggressive than Marquee Moon. It features songs such as "Glory," "Foxhole," "Careful," and "Ain't That Nothin'." Although it achieved better American sales than Marquee Moon, Adventure did not have the same impact on the music world as the group's debut album.
Soon after the release of Adventure, Television broke up due to conflicts among band members. Verlaine and Lloyd began solo careers, and each artist released several solo albums. Smith returned to Blondie, and Ficca later joined the Waitresses in 1980. Despite the breakup, Television released a live album, The Blow Up, in 1982.
Reunions
Television reunited in the early 1990s and released another album, Television, in 1992. The album includes the songs "1880 or So," "Call Mr. Lee," and "No Glamour for Willi." Television had only modest sales, and, as with Adventure, it failed to have the same influence that Marquee Moon had. However, the album received favorable reviews. Television followed up the album with a world tour. The group broke up for a second time in 1993.
Several years later, in 2001, Television reunited again. The group played numerous shows in the United Kingdom, including the All Tomorrow's Parties festival in England in 2001. Throughout the next several years, Television periodically toured the United States and Europe.
In 2007, Lloyd left Television after he missed a show due to illness. He was replaced by guitarist Jimmy Rip. Lloyd eventually continued his solo career. Also in 2007, Verlaine and Rip teamed up and released Music for Experimental Film, a work that pairs the artists' live guitar accompaniments with several silent short films. In late 2007 Television reportedly recorded sixteen new songs at Stratosphere Sound, a former recording studio in New York City. However, no new album was released. Television continued to make occasional live appearances through the 2010s.
In January 2023 Verlaine died at age seventy-three. There was an outpouring of tributes, with many other artists citing him as well as Television as a whole as a major influence.
Bibliography
Deming, Mark. "Adventure: Overview." AllMusic, www.allmusic.com/album/adventure-mw0000201050. Accessed 21 Apr. 2023.
Deming, Mark. "Television: Overview." AllMusic, www.allmusic.com/album/television-mw0000087458. Accessed 21 Apr. 2023.
Edwards, Gavine, and Peter Keepnews. "Tom Verlaine, Influential Guitarist and Songwriter, Dies at 73." The New York Times, 2 Feb. 2023, www.nytimes.com/2023/01/28/arts/music/tom-verlaine-dead.html. Accessed 21 Apr. 2023.
Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Marquee Moon: Overview." AllMusic, www.allmusic.com/album/marquee-moon-mw0000193524. Accessed 21 Apr. 2023.
Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Television: Biography." AllMusic, www.allmusic.com/artist/television-mn0000019701/biography. Accessed 21 Apr. 2023.
Flanary, Patrick. "Revamped Television Have a New Album in the Can." Rolling Stone, 20 Sept. 2013, www.rollingstone.com/music/news/revamped-television-have-a-new-album-in-the-can-20130920. Accessed 21 Apr. 2023.