TELEVISION guitarist Richard Lloyd has died aged 75, after a brave battle with cancer as Smiths star Johnny Marr leads tributes.
Pennsylvania-born Lloyd appeared on all of the influential New York punk band’s studio albums.
Television are best known for Marquee Moon 1977, Adventure 1978 and their self-titled third LP released in 1992.
Lloyd was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a form of bile duct cancer, in March this year.
Sadly, a post on Television’s official X account announced: “We are so very sad that Richard Lloyd has today passed away at the age of 75.
“Deepest condolences to Sheila and to all of is family and friends.”
With Television, Lloyd’s style helped form the post punk and indie movements.
Bands such as Pixies, Sonic Youth and Gang Of Four credit Television as an influence.
Former The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr lead tributes to Lloyd, posting touching words to his Instagram.
He said: “RIP Richard Lloyd. A seeker and finder and a true inspiration with and without the guitar.
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“It was an honour to know him and a blessing to have been a fan. Thank you Richard. Carry on my friend.”
Singer Lloyd Cole also paid tribute, posting on X: “I just heard. RIP Richard Lloyd.
“I only saw Television once – all those amazing riffs that drive the songs – Richard played them all.”
Television are best known for their 10-minute epic Marquee Moon, from the album of the same name.
The song reached number 30 in the UK singles chart and is known for its repetitive guitar riff.
They also had two further hits with Foxhole and Prove It.
Television were one of the first punk bands to play at the legendary CBGB’s club in New York.
The venue would go on to launch the careers of bands such as Blondie, Patti Smith and The Ramones.
It had previously been intended to host country and bluegrass music.
The band’s line-up on their first album was made up of Lloyd, singer and guitarist Tom Verlaine, bass player Fred Smith and drummer Billy Ficca.
Verlaine died in 2023, aged 73, having been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and Television disbanded following his death.
Alongside his work with the band, Lloyd also released nine studio albums beginning with 1979’s Alchemy.
He married his wife Sheila O’Keefe in 2010, he also had a son named Dylan.