Television’s Richard Loyd dies aged 75

Richard Lloyd, guitarist and founding member of the influential punk band Television, has passed away at the age of 75.

His family confirmed that he passed on Saturday morning at his home in Tennessee, surrounded by “his loving wife Sheila and his dog Willie Mays,” according to a statement to Rolling Stone.

It was confirmed that the cause was cholangiocarcinoma, a bile duct cancer that he was diagnosed with in March 2026. A GoFundMe launched in August to raise money for Lloyd’s treatment revealed that he had developed tumors in his liver and that one could not be surgically removed.

Formed in 1973 by Tom Verlaine, Richard Hell, Billy Ficca and Lloyd, Television was part of a pioneering New York punk movement that grew around the legendary music venue CBGB.

 

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During their peak in the late 70s, the band record two studio albums, including Marquee Moon, which has gone on to receive widespread recognition as one of the most influential albums in rock history.

In 1992, Television returned for a final LP titled Television. Verlaine passed away in 2023 following a brief illness.

After the band’s initial dismemberment, Lloyd released nine solo albums and contributed guitar to a number of musicians, including Stephan Eicher, Matthew Sweet and more.

Following news of his passing, a number of musicians have paid tribute to Lloyd. Writing on Instagram, Johnny Marr said: “R.I.P 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.”

 

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Taking to X this weekend, Lloyd Cole wrote: “RIP Richard Lloyd. I only saw Television once - All those amazing riffs that drive the songs - Richard played them all.”

On stage in Philadelphia this Saturday, Geese paid tribute to the late musician, with Cameron Winter telling the crowd: “Rest in peace Richard Lloyd", before performing a brief cover of the Television song ‘Ain’t That Nothin’’.