Television formed in New York City in 1973, right at the center of the early CBGB scene, with Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd's intertwined twin guitars setting them apart from their punk peers. Marquee Moon (1977) is the record — one of the most influential of its era, and it still sounds untouchable. Dig into Television vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
Television formed in New York City in 1973, emerging from the same downtown scene that produced the early CBGB punk and new wave movement. The band was founded by Tom Verlaine (born Thomas Miller, December 13, 1949; died January 28, 2023) and originally included Richard Hell, who left in 1975 and was replaced on bass by Fred Smith. The classic lineup was Verlaine and Richard Lloyd on guitars, Smith on bass, and Billy Ficca on drums. Television is widely cited as one of the most influential bands of the 1970s New York scene.
Television is known for intricate, interlocking twin-guitar arrangements between Verlaine and Lloyd, drawing on rock, jazz phrasing, and improvisation rather than the stripped-down approach of many of their punk-era peers. Their sound bridged punk, art rock, and new wave, and their guitar interplay influenced generations of subsequent indie and alternative bands.
Marquee Moon has been reissued multiple times, including remastered and expanded editions with bonus tracks. Original Elektra pressings are sought after, and audiophile and anniversary editions of Marquee Moon are common targets for collectors.
Listeners new to Television almost always start with Marquee Moon (1977). For related listening, see and .
