By
Rob Jones
Goodness me the great and glorious of rock continue to fall with an increasing regularity. Tom Verlaine was a mighty force and the Television album Marquee Moon and its phenomenal title track have been sonic friends of mine across 46 years. This incredible USA sourced long player even amongst the fire and the fury of punk debuts from the likes of the Sex Pistols, The Clash and The Damned pipped the lot to be the no.1 accredited LP of 1977 in the then influential UK weekly music newspaper, Sounds.
Television sadly escaped me as a live entity but I did see a solo set from Tom at the long lost Cardiff venue, The Point. On that night, Verlaine steered away from band material and therefore I never witnessed the likes of the tunes which had helped form my youth and went forward with me through adulthood. I am so sad that this concert opportunity will never happen now as 73 year old Tom Verlaine sadly departed this mortal coil today.
I had been set to witness Television in October supporting Billy Idol and was excited by this prospect but the New York focussed group had to cancel and possibly TV was not in good health then, but it was a so close but not to happen occasion. However, I still cherish the records including my 12″ single of the aforementioned anthem with the same song on both sides. CBGB’s in the Big Apple brought us some great acts when cut their teeth un that famed fleapit in the early to mid 70’s and there was none better than Television and its illustrious leader. Tom Verlaine RIP.
