TV On The Radio’s Bassist, Gerard Smith Dead at 34
April 21st, 2011 | by |
TV on the Radio bassist Gerard Smith died on the morning of Wednesday, April 20, the band announced on its website. The 36-year-old revealed he was battling lung cancer last month.
“We are very sad to announce the death of our beloved friend and bandmate, Gerard Smith, following a courageous fight against lung cancer,” the band’s message read. “Gerard passed away the morning of April 20th, 2011. We will miss him terribly.”
Smith joined TV on the Radio in 2003, two years after they formed. He told Spin Magazine that, before joining the band, he could be found performing on flamenco guitar in New York City subway stations. But his career as a busker ended when he was informed that, if he continued to busk without a permit, he’d risk jail time. He made a smart move — TV on the Radio quickly became synonymous with street cred and, yet, virtually every critic seemed to adore them as well.
The Thin White Duke himself, David Bowie, made a rare appearance on TV on the Radio’s 2006 release, ‘Return to Cookie Mountain,’ while their 2008 follow-up, ‘Dear Science,’ was named album of the year by a number of prestigious publications, including Rolling Stone, Spin, MTV and Entertainment Weekly.
The group revealed that it was canceling its next five concerts and that more information would be announced soon. TV on the Radio are currently touring behind their recently released fifth album, ‘Nine Types of Light.’ Smith was diagnosed with cancer shortly after the recording sessions wrapped and had been undergoing treatment while the band was on the road.
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