TV on the Radio Bassist Diagnosed With Lung Cancer
- Posted on Mar 15th 2011 8:55AM by Jenny Charlesworth
PA
According to a statement on the beloved Brooklyn band's official website, Smith will be sitting out their upcoming tour in order to receive treatment for the disease, which was diagnosed shortly after the band wrapped their new album, 'Nine Types of Light,' (due out April 12).
"Upon the completion of 'Nine Types of Light', Gerard was diagnosed with lung cancer," the band said. "As a result, he has been undergoing treatment and will be unable to participate in the upcoming tour.
"Gerard is fortunate enough to have health insurance and is receiving excellent medical care," they added. "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."
In the meantime, the rest of band will focus their efforts on drumming up excitement for 'Nine Types of Light,' which is their forth studio album and follow-up to 2008's 'Dear Science.'
TV on the Radio will also be headlining AOL Music and Spinner's hotly anticipated SXSW showcase on Thursday, March 17 at Austin's famed Stubb's Bar-B-Q, before playing a string of US dates this April. So why not come out and send some positive vibes their way, and let Smith know we hope to see him healthy and back on stage again soon.
- Filed under: News, New Releases
Spinner has you covered! Trip the road to Austin with us.
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I don't know who this dude is nor his band. Many bands have toured across the states, so that makes him better than someone who doesn't tour?, that life sucks anyway, look what it did to this dude.
March 15 2011 at 7:41 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplySorry, I have never heard of the band or this young man, but my prayers are certainly with him for a full recovery. I also know that he has a rough road ahead with the treatments so I pray that his God, his Higher Power, is with him all the way to make it easier on him. NO one deserves to go through cancer. God bless him.
March 15 2011 at 7:20 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIt's kind of telling where we can go on a site that supports/reports on a musical forum that we all appreciate and come away debating the merits of someone's survival of cancer! My prayers go out to Gerard and these others fighting for survival. Gerard, thanks for the gifts of your muse and to the family members also suffering, peace and blessings. Get up, stand up...don't give up the fight.
March 15 2011 at 5:45 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHeard of the band, heard the music, they suck, still I hope he recoveres
March 15 2011 at 5:18 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIt's amazing how some of these all knowing people don't recognize a name, so that means they are not important enough to wish well for. Is this what our world has come to? Pretty sad, good luck and a complete recovery to Gerald. We need all our musicians to keep making music and bringing joy to others.
March 15 2011 at 4:43 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyNever heard of the band or the dude.
A talented member of a wickedly good band. Speedy recovery, and live long and prosper.
Keep making those fine, mesmerizing tunes.
I do not know this man but I will be praying for a successful course of treatment and restoration to health. The 'big news' is that we are all on this earth together; every opportunity to encourge and uplift our fellow man should be put into practice.
March 15 2011 at 3:53 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyDon't know who he is and sorry to hear he has lung cancer, but what was the point of writing that he is fortunate enough to have health insurance? A subliminal way of promoting that BS Universal Health Care????
March 15 2011 at 3:37 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI'm guessing you have insurance, most likely paid for by your employer. Thank whatever higher being it is you pray to that you have a job, and insurance.
March 15 2011 at 7:15 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplySubliminal? get a grip. It is a fact that many musicians do not have health insurance. Often when they get ill they go bankrupt. It has nothing to do with our country's lack of affordable healthcare...but if you want to talk about that I am sure there is a political discussion somewhere you can crash. It was a statement of fact because the next question his fans and music fans in general would be asking to make sure he was receiving the care he needs or to see if they could help.
March 15 2011 at 7:52 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI also don't know his work.
I also know some who have had Cancer.
Unlike the previous post >>> I wish this man a FULL REMISSION, and God' blessings.
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