Interview with Richard Lloyd
from Television
By Martin Boe
Television was a part of the early New York punk rock scene, contemporary with bands like the Patti Smith Group and the Ramones. In contrast to the Ramones' focus on rock 'n' roll minimalism, Television's music was much more technically proficient, defined by the dueling guitars of Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd.
How will you describe the punk scene in New York in the early 70s
I will describe it very accurately in my memoirs which I'm currently writing, and which will see publication in maybe three years, because it is a work of literature -- not a simple show and tell for kindergartners.
When did you got to know Richard Hell and Tom Verlaine and why did they want you to be part of Television.?
I was living with Terry Ork and he told me about a fellow who played electric guitar by himself, so we went to see him at an audition night at a supper club cand during the second song I turned to Terry Ork and said the following: "this guy has something, but he is missing something, and I have what he is missing. I have something, but I know that I am missing something, and what I am missing he has. Put us together, and you will have the band you're looking for. Terry wanted to sponsor a band, which he was going to put around me -- but I was a drunkard and could not lead a band at that time -- so when I saw Tom, I saw that together we could do something. Richard Meyers (ne: Hell) was Tom's best friend.
Television started playing gigs at CBGBs after you persuaded Hilly Kristal. Was it hard getting the regular gigs at CBGBs ?
We were the house band at CBGBs -- we found it and persuaded the owner that he could make more money at the bar with this strange original rock music than he could with country, bluegrass or blues, which is what the initials stand for. Terry and I booked the club for the first three years, with Terry deferring to me as to what bands we ought to let play there regularly, and which band should only have one time. No matter how you stunk, you got at least one performance on the stage at CB's
After a while Richard Hell left the band and formed the Heartbreakers. Can you tell us a bit about the conflict that made Hell leave Television.?
It's a long story but basically Richard did not want to play bass, after being through the Neon Boys, where he suffered under Tom trying to teach him. But we talked him into playing and so he was part of Television, but although we rehearsed six days a week for five hours a day he didn't improve very much. Tom sang 40% of the set, Richard sang 40%, and I sang 20%. But when we started recording we could hear that since Billy Ficca already went nuts on the drums, there was no stability in the rhythm section, so Tom began cutting Richard songs and demanded to stand in the middle, and simply began taking over until he drove Richard out.
How did you and Verlaine work together when writing songs? Was there any conflicts in which way the sound of Television where headed?
Tom was the bandleader, and the songwriting process was torturous. I don't want to go into details, but Tom, even if he worked with the band for two years changing arrangements and re writing songs and asking people to come up with new parts, kept all the songwriting credit for himself, claiming that only the lyrics and the melody in the lyric counted, which is an outmoded methodology used by songwriters in the 1950s. When you work with a man on a song for six months or a year, helping him form it, you ought to get some kind of credit, but I also had to pick my battles, and I created a magic spell around Television which has endured. Personally I only think there is one Television record -- the first one.. After that Tom began turning in upon itself like an ingrown toenail, and if you listen to his own records they all sound like they are made with drum machines.
Televisions debut 7” “Little Johnny Jewel” was problematic. You disagreed with the selection of the songs and you considered leaving the band. Why?
We recorded three songs and I thought one of the other songs was more accessible. Time has proved me wrong, so let's leave it at that.
Why do you think Television got a bigger audience in Europe than in the states.?
The English press were writing about us before we made a record. They were writing extensively about the New York scene for two years before anyone got to see any of the bands, so we had a natural strong interest upon arrival. However in the United States, the country is huge, and unless you are on the radio you can't get anywhere. It's really quite simple.
Television got great reviews for the debut album Marquee Moon and has been ranked as one of the best albums ever? How was is to be a part of making that album when you look back at it today? Was there any problems during the Marquee Moon recordings?
I have very funny stories, about the recording of that record, but I am saving them for my memoirs. Too bad for you and your readers.
Which Television album and song is your favorite.? And solo material , which album and song?
I cannot answer this ridiculous question. This is a question everyone asks artists which is the equivalent of asking them to declare publicly which of their children they love the most.
I would say the first and last record -- Marquee Moon and The Radiant Monkey.
Whats your plan for 09?
I have a 10 song Jimi Hendrix cover record coming out, because he was my first teacher -- through my best friend, his protégé and only authenticated guitar student named Velvert Turner.
