Television

The Television Story

In 1973, the group Television started guitarist/vocalist Tom Verlaine , drummer Billy Ficca, bassist Richard Hell and rhythm guitarist Richard Lloyd . The following year, the band made its live debut at New York's Townhouse theatre and began to build up an underground following. Soon, they  Verlaine was able to persuade CBGB's to feature them on a regular basis; the club would become an important venue for punk and new wave bands. Television recorded a demo tape for Island Records with Brian Eno in 1975, yet the label decided not to sign the band.  Hell was replaced by ex-Blondie bassist Fred Smith and Television recorded "Little Johnny Jewel," releasing it on their own Ork record label. "Little Johnny Jewel" became an underground hit, attracting the attention of major record labels. In 1976, the band released a British EP on Stiff Records, which expanded their reputation. They signed with Elektra Records and began recording their debut album. Marquee Moon, the group's first album, was released in early 1977 to great critical acclaim getting 5 stars in Sounds in the U.K., it reached number 28 on the charts , launching the Top 40 singles "Prove It" and "Foxhole." Television supported Blondie on the group's 1977 tour, but the shows didn't increase the group's following significantly. Television released its second album, Adventure, in the spring of 1978. While its American sales were better than those of Marquee Moon, the record didn't make the charts; in Britain, it became a Top Ten hit. Months later, the group suddenly broke up, largely due to tensions between the two guitarists. Smith rejoined Blondie , while Verlaine and Lloyd both pursued solo careers;  Television re-formed in late 1991, recording a new album with Capitol Records. The reunited band began their comeback with a performance at England's Glastonbury summer festival in 1992, releasing Television a couple months later. The album received good reviews, as did the tour that followed, yet the reunion was short-lived -- the group disbanded again in early 1993. They occasionally get together and have still have enough of a cult status to play London gigs and festivals as they did in 2001 All Tomorrow's Parties at Camber Sands, England. They have played a number of dates around the world, and continue to perform occasionally in New York on an irregular basis.

Television

Guitarist/vocalist ... Tom Verlaine

Rhythm guitarist ... Richard Lloyd

Bassist ... Fred Smith

Drummer ... Billy Ficca

A Few English Recordings

Adventure by Television
Cat No : 7559605232
Format : Compact Disc
Date : 1992

Foxhole by Television
Cat No : K 12287
Format : 7" Single
Date : 1978

Glory by Television
Cat No : K 12306
Format : 7" Single
Date : 1978

Little Jimmy jewel by Television
Cat No : NYC 1
Format : 7" Single
Date : 1979

Marquee moon by Television
Cat No : K 12252
Format : 7" Single
Date : 1977

Marquee moon by Television
Cat No : K 52046
Format : Album
Date : 1977

Prove it by Television
Cat No : K 12262
Format : 7" Single
Date : 1977