Television at MONA Friday November 1, 2013

The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart plays host to legendary proto-punk band Television this November, as the band makes its long-awaited Australian debut – a tour 40 years in the making.

Television was founded in New York City in 1973, gigging at the then-fledgling country/bluegrass club CBGB, inadvertently creating a hub for the pre-alternative culture of the lower Eastside and like-minded contemporaries including The Patti Smith Group, Blondie, Talking Heads, Richard Hell, The Heartbreakers and Ramones.

In 1975 Television followed up their reinvention of CB’s via the release of their debut 7″ ‘Little Johnny Jewel’, a two-sided 7 minute opus featuring the prodigious talent of guitarist and vocalist Tom Verlaine. Released on the independent record label Ork, it is one of proto-punk’s rarest and most valuable finds.

In 1977, following increasing major label interest Television signed to Elektra (home to The Doors, The Stooges and Love) and released their debut album, the classic ‘Marquee Moon’, to massive critical acclaim. It was an instant success, cracking the top 30 in several European countries and going on to become one of rock’s most influential albums.

In 1978 Television released their second album, ‘Adventure’, a masterpiece of songwriting, musical interplay and timeless energy. However, by the end of that year the drudgery of touring, differing artistic beliefs, and internal tension, split the band apart.

Television reappeared in the early nineties – albeit briefly – producing an eponymous album and playing select shows to further acclaim, followed by a surprise return at the All Tomorrow’s Parties festival in the UK, before disappearing again from the limelight.

Now Television – Tom Verlaine (vocals, guitar, keys), Jimmy Ripp (guitar), Fred Smith (bass, vocals) and Billy Ficca (drums) – is playing sporadic live shows and even threatening a new album.

Watch Television while you can.

TELEVISION AT MONA
WHEN FRIDAY 1 NOVEMBER, 2013, Doors open 6pm for 7pm start
WHERE MONA (Museum of Old and New Art, 655 Main Rd Berriedale, Hobart Tasmania) in THE VOID, Level B3
TICKETS $60 / $50 conc +BF, on sale FRIDAY 2 AUGUST from www.mona.net.au
Rebecca Fitzgibbon Events Media Manager Museum of Old and New Art