Tom Verlaine, the iconic musician and founder of pioneering punk band Television, passed away at the age of 73.

Tom Verlaine, the legendary musician and co-founder of the pioneering proto-punk band Television, passed away at the age of 73. The news of his death was confirmed by Jesse Paris Smith, daughter of musician Patti Smith, a frequent collaborator of Verlaine’s, in a statement to CBS News. Verlaine passed away peacefully in New York City, surrounded by close friends. The exact cause of death was not provided.

Verlaine made a significant impact in the music industry, influencing many bands while playing at the ultra-cool downtown New York music venue CBGB alongside the Ramones, Patti Smith, and Talking Heads. Mike Scott of The Waterboys tweeted, “Tom Verlaine has passed over to the beyond that his guitar playing always hinted at. He was the best rock and roll guitarist of all time, and like Hendrix could dance from the spheres of the cosmos to garage rock. That takes a special greatness.”

Television, the band he co-founded, never found much commercial success, but Verlaine’s jaggedly inventive playing as part of the band’s two-guitar assault influenced many musicians. The band released two albums, “Marquee Moon” in 1977 and “Adventure” a year later, both of which have become seminal in independent rock. Increasing tension between Verlaine and fellow guitarist Richard Lloyd led to the band’s disbandment after the release of “Adventure.” The group would later reunite for a self-titled 1992 album for Capitol Records and sporadic live appearances.

Verlaine released eight solo albums throughout his career, with his most commercially successful being his 1981 sophomore solo album “Dreamtime,” which peaked at No. 177 on the Billboard album chart. He frequently served as accompanist to former girlfriend Patti Smith.

Tom Verlaine’s contributions to the music industry will be greatly missed. His vision and imagination have left a lasting impact on the world of rock and roll.