Fred Smith, bass player for Television and original member of Blondie, has died at the age of 77.
His death was confirmed on Thursday (February 5) by his bandmates. Though a cause of death was not given, a statement said that he had fought an unspecified “illness long and hard these last few years.”
Smith got his start as the original bassist for Angel and the Snake, which would later become Blondie, in 1974. He left the band the following year to join Television, replacing Richard Hell.
He stayed with Television as a core member until their split in 1978, playing on 1977’s seminal hit ‘Marquee Moon’ and 1978’s ‘Adventure’.
After the group’s breakup, Smith featured on solo albums for bandmates Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd, as well as for other artists including the Roches, Willie Nile, Peregrins, and the Revelons.
Smith was also part of Television’s reunion in 1992, which coincided with the release of their third, self-titled album, and would join them onstage throughout the 2000s.
In the statement announcing news of Smith’s death, Television member Jimmy Rip remembered the musician as “not only my bandmate for 46 years — he was my true friend.”
Rip went on to say that Smith was “the guy you wanted around when road life got wearisome,” adding, “His sense of humor, much like his musical voice, was dry, subtle, to the point, hilarious and always left you wanting a more.”
“Yesterday, he left this world, leaving so many who loved him wanting so much more…of him,” he said. “If you are a lover of melodic bass lines and counterpoint, you could go to school on what Fred created so effortlessly. He was a natural — never flashy, always essential — always serving the song in ways that only the greatest musicians can.”
Rip said they had plans to play music by frontman Verlaine, who died in January 2023, this year, but that it “wasn’t meant to be.”
“Thankfully, we were able to say goodbye, ‘love you’ were our last words to each other,” said Rip before ending his message. “I will miss him more than anyone can imagine.”
Tish and Snooky Bellomo, founders of punk hairdye brand Manic Panic, also paid tribute to Smith, writing: “We knew Fred from being in the first Blondie lineup with him and we remained close friends ever since. Most famous for being the legendary bassist for Television, he played with countless other greats.
“Fredski was the sweetest, most genuine, brilliant gentle man,” they continued. “To his beautiful wife Paula, and all who loved him- we share your sorrow deeply.”
