Guitarist Richard Lloyd, key member of Television, dies at 75

Richard Lloyd, whose guitar work was a central element of the 1970s New York band Television, died on Saturday at his home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the New York Times reported. The cause of death was bile duct cancer, and he was 75.

Television, often linked to the era's punk scene, was noted for intricate soloing and unconventional song structures. Their 1977 album "Marquee Moon" is regarded as a defining record of the period and influenced later alternative acts such as R.E.M. and Sonic Youth.

The group released two albums before disbanding in 1978, after which Lloyd and frontman Tom Verlaine pursued solo projects. Television reunited in 1992 and performed intermittently thereafter.

Lloyd, born Richard John Alt in Pittsburgh on Oct. 25, 1951, moved to New York City as a child and began playing guitar early. He joined the band—originally the Neon Boys—through a recommendation from Terry Ork, and contributed to their early recordings, including the single "Little Johnny Jewel."

"David Bowie famously called Television ‘the most original band I’ve seen in New York,’" the article noted.

Television signed with Elektra Records in 1976 and released "Marquee Moon" in February 1977. While U.S. sales were modest, the band achieved chart success in the United Kingdom and received critical acclaim.

Lloyd released nine solo albums and played on notable recordings such as Matthew Sweet’s 1991 album "Girlfriend." He continued to perform and record until his death, leaving a lasting impact on rock music history.