Richard Lloyd (guitarist)

Richard Lloyd (born October 25, 1951, Wilmington, Delaware) is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, best known as a founding member of the influential New York City rock band Television.

Lloyd’s distinctive guitar style, characterized by intricate, melodic lines and a blend of rock and roll, blues, and jazz influences, played a crucial role in shaping Television's sound. He often traded lead guitar parts with bandmate Tom Verlaine, creating a unique and innovative interplay that set them apart from their punk and new wave contemporaries.

After Television's initial breakup in 1978, Lloyd embarked on a solo career, releasing albums such as Alchemy (1979), Field of Fire (1985), Matinee (1985), The Cover Doesn't Matter (2001), and The Jamie Neverts Story (2009). These albums showcased his songwriting talent and further explored his diverse musical interests.

Lloyd has also worked as a session musician and sideman, collaborating with artists such as Matthew Sweet, John Doe, and Stephin Merritt. He has toured extensively throughout his career, both as a solo artist and with Television during their reunions.

In addition to his musical career, Lloyd is known for his interest in spiritualism and the occult, topics that have occasionally influenced his songwriting. His memoir, Everything Is Combustible: Television, CBGB's and Five Decades of Rock and Roll: The Memoirs of an Alchemical Guitarist, published in 2017, provides an account of his life and experiences in the music industry.