Television ProfileRichard Lloyd, guitarist of the pioneering punk band Television, has passed away. He was 75.
Lloyd died at his home in Tennessee on Saturday (7 November) of “bile duct cancer”, known as cholangiocarcinoma, Deadline reports. Lloyd’s family shared the news of his passing with Rolling Stone.
“His loving wife Sheila and his dog Willie Mays were with him at the end,” his family told the publication.
Lloyd was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in March 2026. Following his diagnosis, a GoFundMe campaign was launched in August to help cover his medical expenses and other bills.
Television formed in New York City in 1973, with vocalist and guitarist-keyboardist Tom Verlaine, drummer Billy Ficca and bassist Fred Smith recruiting Lloyd after they’d embarked on a short stint as the Neon Boys.
The newly-formed Television became an early fixture of the CBGB and 1970s New York punk rock scene, helping develop the punk rock and alternative rock genres and inspiring the likes of R.E.M. and Sonic Youth with their music.
The band’s debut album, Marquee Moon, was released in February 1977. Although it failed to chart on the Billboard 200, it reached the top 30 in the United Kingdom and Sweden.
Their second album, Adventure, was released the following year. Despite having a softer sound, the record was well received by critics and landed at #8 on the UK Albums Chart. With differing artistic visions, a lack of commercial success in America, and Lloyd’s drug issues, Television disbanded in July 1978.
Television reformed in 1991, released a self-titled third album in 1992, and performed live sporadically – including at Glastonbury Festival. In 1993, they disbanded once again. Another reunion followed in 2001, which included sporadic live performances until 2023.
Tom Verlaine died in January 2023 at the age of 73. At the time, Lloyd said he and his former bandmate had reconciled before Verlaine’s passing, saying they were laughing together when they last saw each other. Bassist Fred Smith passed away in February 2026.
In addition to his time in Television, Richard Lloyd led a solo career in which he released nine solo albums. His most recent LP, The Countdown, was released in 2018.
