Fred Smith & Tom Verlaine, of New York based Television, live at the Manchester Academy November 17th 2013

Fred Smith and Tom Verlaine of the New York band Television performing live at Manchester Academy on 17 November 2013, with Smith on bass at the left of the image and Verlaine playing electric guitar to the right. The photograph captures a rare UK appearance by one of the most influential groups to emerge from the 1970s New York punk and new wave scene centred on CBGB. Television’s 1977 debut album Marquee Moon is widely regarded as a landmark record for its interlocking guitars, long instrumental passages, lean rhythm section and tense, poetic alternative rock sound. In this Manchester concert image, the dark stage, amplifiers, microphones, coloured lights and concentrated playing style give the picture strong editorial value for music journalism, live review features, archive coverage, rock history, post-punk, art rock and alternative music culture. Alamy’s own listing for this event records Television in concert at Manchester Academy on 17 November 2013 with Fred Smith on bass, Tom Verlaine and Jimmy Rip on guitars. Guitar World also used a Manchester Academy 2 performance image from the same date in its obituary coverage of Verlaine, noting his importance as Television’s influential guitarist. The image can illustrate stories about New York music, CBGB legacy, guitar bands, veteran performers, cult albums, live music venues, touring musicians and Manchester’s strong gig-going culture. It is also relevant after Verlaine’s death in January 2023, giving the photograph additional archive and obituary value. The visible instruments, stage equipment, black backdrop and two senior musicians create a documentary live music scene suited to editorial use, fan culture, venue histories and features on the continuing influence of Television on indie, punk, post-punk and alternative guitar music