Good rock ‘n’ roll is timeless. That’s why throwback bands are breaking out with reunion tours, performing their most popular albums, and selling out shows left and right. Television is high up on this list. Last week they played two sold out nights at the new Terragram Ballroom theater in downtown L.A.

40% dads, 40% hipster kids and the rest of us in between is what made up the crowd when I went on the first night. The crowd was stiff but Television was not. It’s as good as you’d hope for a band that’s 40+ years old. Actually, it was better. Television, an unquestionable influence to today’s punk and alternative rock, were far more skilled with musical talent then a lot of current bands who only dream of measuring up to the likes of them.

Skilled? Yes, but humble at best. Tom Verlaine looked like any regular dude and so did the rest of the band. Nothing flashy, but then again they never were the flashy-type of band.

They delivered from start to finish the entire Marquee Moon album with a crowd-pleasing encore that included their hit song “Glory” off of the album Adventure. The set was also blessed with a 10 minute jam sesh between the group that proved age has not altered the authentic talent that Television has carried and been adored for by fans throughout the decades.

The new venue was not a disappointment either. It’s equipped with three bars that are lined with framed posters of classic rockstars through the ages like Bowie, Blondie, and Mick Jagger. It’s a perfect little size with rather high ceilings which makes the sound ideal almost anywhere you stand.

Seeing a legendary band like Television was hypnotizing for me and everyone in attendance, even with the annoying moms and dads, one of which who actually yelled at me to not “step on their toes” in the middle of the pit… I guess regardless of how old you are, good taste in music never fades!

If you are a true fan of punk rock, catch Television live the next chance you get. —Asal Shahindoust