TV on the Radio Bassist Gerard Smith Dies at 36

By Zach Dionne Posted Apr 20th 2011 04:29PM

TV on the Radio bassist Gerard Smith died of lung cancer this morning, the band's website confirms. Smith was 36 years old.

"We are very sad to announce the death of our beloved friend and bandmate, Gerard Smith, following a courageous fight against lung cancer. Gerard passed away the morning of April 20th, 2011. We will miss him terribly," reads the group's site. Five upcoming tour dates are canceled.

The band announced Smith's cancer in mid-March, saying he finished recording the new (now celebrated, since its April 11 release) album 'Nine Types of Light' before being diagnosed. He joined the group in 2005.

"Upon the completion of 'Nine Types of Light', Gerard was diagnosed with lung cancer," the band wrote in March. "As a result, he has been undergoing treatment and will be unable to participate in the upcoming tour."

The statement continued: "Gerard is fortunate enough to have health insurance and is receiving excellent medical care. Already we have seen dramatic results. Combine that with Gerard's legendarily willful disposition and it might just be cancer that has the problem. We appreciate your concern and support for Gerard and his family."

See TV on the Radio's video for 'Wolf Like Me':

Tags: Gerard Smith, TV on the Radio

Comments

(4)

Wednesday 20 April

By emack150

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It is sad. Like I said before, it seems that all the good people are dying and I am stuck in the world with child molesters, snobs, and other creeps.

By jmo

Hi emack. I wish I had something wise to say, but since I don't i'm going to say a prayer for you that God will bring people into your life to lift you up instead of break you down.

Thursday 21 April

By annyjonesy

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Question for Popeater - why are responses to attacks on politicians blocked?

By Will

Feels odd to "Like" a story about someone's death. Perhaps Facebook should rename that option...

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