Gerard Smith started playing with TV on the Radio in 2005, just in time to be involved in the recording of their second studio album Return to Cookie Mountain and was diagnosed with lung cancer shortly after their latest album Nine Types of Light was finished. Having only recently announced he was taking time off from the band to get treatment, the 34-year-old bassist has sadly passed away.
A statement on the groups website currently reads:
“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.”
The Brooklyn based art rockers have cancelled five forthcoming tour dates in the US.
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