Cholangiocarcinoma caused the death of Richard Lloyd on November 7, 2026, at his home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the age of 75. His family announced that the guitar work that helped define the post-punk sound of Television alongside Tom Verlaine ended when he passed away.
Cholangiocarcinoma was diagnosed in March 2026. A GoFundMe campaign was subsequently launched to help cover mounting medical expenses after doctors discovered tumors in his liver, including one positioned dangerously close to a major blood vessel that prevented surgical removal. His loving wife Sheila and his dog Willie Mays were with him at the end,
his family said in a statement to Rolling Stone.
Richard Lloyd, the Television co-founder and guitarist who helped bring a deft virtuosity to punk’s stripped-down fury, has died at the age of 75 https://t.co/gAN9Y83Bxy
Shaping the Sound of CBGB and Marquee Moon
Greenwich Village in Manhattan shaped his youth after his birth in Pittsburgh on October 25, 1951, leading him from drums to guitar. Boston brought a period playing alongside blues icon John Lee Hooker, and Los Angeles preceded his return to New York City in 1973. Manager Terry Ork introduced him to Tom Verlaine and Richard Hell, who had been playing in the Neon Boys with drummer Billy Ficca. Lloyd stepped in as the second guitarist, completing the core lineup that would shape the city’s underground rock explosion.
The band quickly became a fixture at the Lower Manhattan club CBGB. In his memoir, Everything Is Combustible: Television, CBGB’s and Five Decades of Rock and Roll, and subsequent interviews, Lloyd claimed a foundational role in establishing the venue as a rock club by arranging for Television to play there in 1974.
Complex, interlocking guitar interplay separated Television from peers in the burgeoning punk scene relying on heavy power chords. Richard Hell departed in 1975 and was replaced by Blondie bassist Fred Smith, elevating the band’s technical prowess ahead of their landmark 1977 debut album, Marquee Moon, released via Elektra Records, according to The Independent. Though commercial success eluded the release at the time, its title track and intricate arrangements established a blueprint for post-punk, influencing acts from R.E.M. and Sonic Youth to Fugazi.
I wanted to make a dent in rock history,
Lloyd told Guitar World earlier this year. That was my goal, and that came true. We made a difference with how rock was thought of.
.jpg?trim=0,0,0,0&width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800 "Photo: The Independent")
Recording Solo Albums and Session Tracks
Internal tensions and struggles with substance abuse led to the group’s breakup following the release of their sophomore effort, Adventure, in 1978. Lloyd launched a solo career with his 1979 debut album, Alchemy, later returning with records including Field of Fire (1985), Real Time (1987), and his final solo studio release, The Countdown (2018). He also established himself as a sought-after session musician, contributing guitar to Matthew Sweet’s acclaimed power-pop albums—including Girlfriend (1991), Altered Beast (1993), and 100% Fun (1995)—as well as recordings by John Doe of X and Stephan Eicher.
Television periodically reconvened, recording a self-titled third album in 1992 and performing at festivals such as Glastonbury that same year. Lloyd ultimately parted ways with the band in 2007. Tom Verlaine died in 2023 at the age of 73.
Receiving Tributes from Guitar Peers
Musicians and peers shared tributes following the announcement of his death. Johnny Marr wrote on Instagram: R.I.P Richard Lloyd. A seeker and finder and a true inspiration with and without the guitar. It was an honour to know him and a blessing to have been a fan. Thank you Richard. Carry on my friend.
Lloyd is survived by his wife, Sheila O’Keefe Lloyd, whom he married in 2015; his son, Dylan; and his brother, Eric Lloyd. Lloyd Cole of Lloyd Cole and the Commotions posted to X: I just heard. RIP Richard Lloyd. I only saw Television once – All those amazing riffs that drive the songs – Richard played them all.
I just heard. RIP Richard Lloyd. I only saw Television once – All those amazing riffs that drive the songs – Richard played them all. pic.twitter.com/ZjT7qrySfo
More on Richard Lloyd
BREAKING: Richard Lloyd, co-founding guitarist of Television and an architect of post-punk, has died at the age of 75. 📸: Michael Putland/Getty Images pic.twitter.com/lTLXWhoLeK
Richard Lloyd, Television's Fiery and Fluent Guitarist, Dies at 75 https://t.co/np1qOH2v72
Television guitarist Richard Lloyd dies at 75 https://t.co/awSna7RppA