Oh wow. Television were my first “out there” musical diversion from straight rock and roll (maybe not, I briefly loved Yes and King Crimson briefly, soon divorced!). I thought Verlaine an exceptional individual talent. RIP
Definitely going to listen to Television's 'Marquee Moon' tonight.
I discovered Tom in a somewhat backward fashion through the music of Luna. On Luna's great 'Penthouse' album (1995), Verlaine plays on "Moon Palace" and "23 Minutes in Brussels". Check it out. From there I went back and got into Television.
In the mid aughts, I worked at the Strand Bookstore in New York. Tom Verlaine browsed the bargain carts outside everyday rain or shine. With all the 48 and 98 cent books he bought, there probably wasn’t much room in his apartment. It was a thrill to see him at my workplace—a legend from a bygone era, a time that young guys like me are nostalgic for even though they hadn’t even been born yet!
Gotta say that several booksellers shared my thrill and that Tom was shy but very polite. I saw Television around that time too, so I got a taste of that era. RIP Tom.
One of the first times I ever saw television was at CB GB with the talking heads opening up. I think the tickets were $5. That night television did a cover of satisfaction that was so cool… this is a band that will sound modern in 1000 years... rest in peace toTom Verlaine