Tom Verlaine is dead. The US singer, guitarist, songwriter and former frontman of the band Television died on Saturday (local time) in New York after a short illness, according to the magazine "Rolling Stone" and the "New York Times". Citing Jesse Paris Smith, daughter of rock legend Patti Smith, reported.

Verlaine, whose real name was Thomas Miller, was 73 years old. "He died peacefully in New York City surrounded by close friends. His vision and imagination will be missed," Smith said.

Verlaine founded Television in 1973 with his school friend Richard Hell. The band became famous with the punk album "Marquee Moon" (1977) with the title song of the same name. Later Verlaine was on the road as a solo musician. He has worked with artists such as David Bowie and Patti Smith, among others.

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