Guitarist Tom Verlaine, co-founder of the 1970s band Television has died aged 73 after battling a "brief illness".
His death was confirmed by Jesse Paris Smith, the daughter of Verlaine's past collaborator and ex-girlfriend Patty Smith. In a statement made to American radio station NPR, Paris Smith said that she looked to Tom as a second father.
"I met Tom when I was a child, not long after my dad passed away," she wrote. "In him, I felt the energy of a father, a man to hug, to laugh with, to share in mischievous jokes and wild imagination."
Verlaine, who died in Manhattan on Saturday, rose to fame as the lead singer and guitarist of the band Television, a major influence in the 70s New York punk scene. The group's first two albums, Marquee Moon and Adventure, both received critical acclaim.
After the band broke up in 1978, Tom went on to record eight solo albums between 1979 and 1992. His poetic lyrics, jagged guitar playing style and use of heavy vibrato and distortion cemented him as an icon in the rock community.
Other music stars have paid tribute to Verlaine on social media, citing him as a major inspiration in their careers. Simply Red's Mike Hucknall shared his respect for the artist on the band's Twitter account.
He wrote: "RIP Tom Verlaine. Along with Patti Smith’s Horses, Marquee Moon ranks as one of if not THE best New Wave album of the 70’s punk era. I bought it when it came out and saw them on their first tour with Blondie opening! It was a great gig.
"I still play the album to this day."
Michael Stipe of 90s rock trio REM took to Instagram to thank Verlaine for his influence. In a caption shared with a snap of Tom performing, he wrote: "I've lost a hero.... You introduced me to a world that flipped my life upside down. I am forever grateful."
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