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TV on the Radio Bassist Gerard Smith Dead After Lung Cancer Battle

Jim Cooper, AP

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.

UPDATE:

On Thursday evening (April 21), TV On the Radio wrote on their Twitter site thanking fans for their support. "We can't thank you all enough for the love you show to us," the band wrote, adding they could send message to sandwichpaw@gmail.com which "we'll print them for his service xo."

Meanwhile, several bands and artists took to their own Twitter accounts to express their sadness over Smith's passing.

"Terrible news," Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor wrote on Wednesday, April 20. "Gerard was such a sweet guy. Much love to the TVOTR camp."

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Gerard Smith," My Morning Jacket wrote on Thursday, April 21. "A great talent and kind soul...listening to @tvontheradio."

"Put energy elsewhere. @ TVonTheRadio, our prayers are with you," the Fray tweeted that same day.

F---ed Up's singer Damian Abraham also offered his condolences via Twitter by stating Smith was "one of the nicest dudes I have ever met."

TV on the Radio Perform 'Wolf Like Me' on 'Letterman' in 2006


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Brian

One of my favorite bands. Crushing news to me personally. Prayers and thoughts are with the band, Gerard's friends and family.

April 21 2011 at 8:50 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mike




....very sad news. Arohanui to Gerards family from New Zealand...

April 20 2011 at 8:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
vanwags03

Sparks fly upward!!! RIP in the free world..

April 20 2011 at 7:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bob

I hate it when anyone dies from cancer, but again, Who? You didn't report on the deaths of Tommy Crain or Billy Powell. Google those names and find the multi million album sellers!

Condolences to this fellas family.

April 20 2011 at 7:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Sally Stackhouse

May Gerald's family be comforted by God's love...he is already at peace.

April 20 2011 at 7:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
BigDickBranigan

I have never heard of this band, but 34 is way too young to die. Godspeed to his family, and friends.

April 20 2011 at 7:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
PAT

It is so sad when a young life is taken by cancer. God Bless you Gerald, your family and friends. May You Rest in Peace

April 20 2011 at 6:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Blonde Ambition

Wonderful band. I'm so sorry to hear this.

April 20 2011 at 6:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
vuong

It is so sad, Gerard Smith is so young, my mother die of cancer, I felt the pain

April 20 2011 at 5:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
galen

Cancer sucks, RIP brother

April 20 2011 at 4:56 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply