Geese Honor Richard Lloyd in Philadelphia

Indie-rock band Geese paid tribute to the late Richard Lloyd during their concert at The Fillmore in Philadelphia on Saturday night. Before weaving a segment of "Ain't That Nothin'" from Television’s 1978 album Adventure into their own track "2122," frontman Cameron Winter acknowledged Lloyd's recent death with a brief statement.

Lloyd, co-founder and guitarist of the influential punk band Television, passed away earlier the same day in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Born in Pittsburgh and later relocating to New York City, Lloyd's career was shaped by early mentorship from Velvert Turner, a former student of Jimi Hendrix. Lloyd’s first public performance came while sitting in with blues legend John Lee Hooker during a stint in Boston.

Television emerged in 1973 as a groundbreaking band known for experimental punk, lengthy guitar solos, and improvisation, with Lloyd’s exposure to acts like the Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin informing their sound. The band’s early residency at CBGB was among the first to spotlight original material, setting them apart in the burgeoning punk scene.

Lloyd contributed as both guitarist and songwriter on Television’s seminal records Marquee Moon (1977) and Adventure (1978) before the group initially disbanded. Television reunited periodically, including a run from 1991 to 1993 that produced a self-titled album and sporadic performances starting in 2001, with Lloyd departing permanently in 2007 to pursue solo projects.

His final years were marked by a diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma earlier this year. His sonic influence has persisted through various genres including indie rock, punk, new wave, and post-jam styles.

Geese’s choice to incorporate a Television song into "2122" follows established tradition; the band often inserts cover riffs into the track to acknowledge current events or honor departed musicians. This approach provides a live platform to connect with the legacy of artists like Lloyd.

The Fillmore in Philadelphia, a venue with its own storied musical history, served as the backdrop for this tribute. Geese’s performance, blending their own material with a nod to a punk pioneer, exemplifies how contemporary bands acknowledge their influences on stage.

Lloyd’s influence extends beyond the music itself, with his approach to guitar and songwriting inspiring multiple generations of musicians. His reflections on artists like the Grateful Dead, whom he saw multiple times including at the Fillmore East, reveal the broad musical landscape that shaped his artistry.

The band Television’s early relationship with CBGB owner Hilly Kristal was pivotal in establishing a space for original punk music, marking a key moment in the genre’s history. Lloyd’s presence in this scene helped define the sound and ethos of late 1970s punk.

Lloyd's departure from Television did not end his contributions to music, as his solo career and subsequent reunions kept his work in circulation. His death, confirmed as due to cancer, concludes a career that spanned five decades.

Geese’s onstage homage highlights the continued reverence for Television’s contributions and Lloyd’s role in shaping punk and post-punk guitar work. Such tributes also illustrate the interconnectedness of musical communities across generations.

The practice of integrating cover riffs into live performances underscores how contemporary musicians process loss within their artistic expression. It also suggests an ongoing dialogue between new artists and their predecessors, maintaining the relevance of foundational figures like Lloyd.

While further details regarding Lloyd’s passing have not been publicly disclosed, the impact of his career is evident in the continued celebration of his work by bands like Geese. The engagement with his legacy at venues such as The Fillmore confirms his enduring presence within the rock music landscape.