Founding Television guitarist Richard Lloyd dies at 75

Richard Lloyd, a founding member and lead guitarist of the 1970s punk band Television, died on Saturday morning at the age of 75, his family confirmed. The announcement said Lloyd passed away at his residence in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with his wife Sheila and his dog Willie Mays present.

According to the family’s statement to Rolling Stone, Lloyd’s death resulted from cholangiocarcinoma, a form of bile‑duct cancer diagnosed in March 2026. A crowdfunding campaign earlier in the year had disclosed that the disease had produced multiple liver tumours, including one that could not be surgically removed.

Television, formed in 1973, was among the earliest acts to perform at New York’s CBGB club, a venue that later became synonymous with the emerging punk scene. Lloyd’s guitar work was noted for its intricate, crunchy chords and rapid solos, qualities highlighted in a 2005 Guardian review that described his playing as “impossible to overlook.”

The band’s debut album, Marquee Moon (1977), is widely regarded as a landmark recording. Rolling Stone placed the album at number 107 on its 2023 list of the 500 greatest albums, citing its influence on guitar‑driven rock. Television released only two studio albums during its peak, but both remain influential in discussions of punk and post‑punk music history.

In a 2007 interview, Lloyd reflected on his role in the CBGB era, claiming a behind‑the‑scenes influence on the club’s reputation. While his remarks were colorful, they underscore the guitarist’s long‑standing association with the venue that helped launch the band’s career.