Veteran bassist Fred Smith, a pivotal figure in the rise of punk rock and new wave, has died at 77. Known for his work with Television and Blondie, Smith was celebrated for his melodic basslines and essential contributions to songs. His bandmate Jimmy Rip shared heartfelt tributes, remembering Smith’s humor and musical talent. Smith passed away from cancer complications.

Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of death; the reader’s discretion is advised.Fred Smith, best known for his stint as bassist for the beloved band Television, has passed away at 77. He was a well-known name in the music industry who had been credited for promoting the punk rock and new wave genres at the time of their rise.

Fred Smith passes away at 77

Smith’s fellow Television bandmate, Jimmy Rip, recently took to his social media to share the heartbreaking news of Fred’s demise with the world. He posted a video compilation of old photos with the bassist and posted a lengthy and emotional letter to his former bandmate and longtime friend. He started his post by saying that he was not only a bandmate, but one of his true friends in the world. “He was a great running buddy and exactly the guy you wanted around when road life got wearisome. His sense of humor, much like his musical voice, was dry, subtle, to the point, hilarious, and always left you wanting more.”He further wrote about how the two had met for the first time in 1980 while playing with Jay Dee Daugherty on drums, in The Eve Moon Band. He added, “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 also revealed that they had been planning on performing this year, and that the musician was always looking forward to doing something new. He concluded his post by sharing, “Thankfully, we were able to say goodbye, ‘love you’ were our last words to each other. I will miss him more than anyone can imagine.”The New York Times further confirmed that the musician had been diagnosed with cancer prior to his demise and passed away from complications caused by the disease.

About Fred Smith

Born on April 10, 1948, in New York City, Smith was a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. He was best known for his stint with Blondie and the Banzai Babies, who later changed their name to Blondie, along with Television. He was joined by none other than Tom Verlaine, guitarist Richard Lloyd, and drummer Billy Ficca, and the four of them came to be known as Television.Smith has been credited as one of the most influential musicians who helped the rise of punk rock as a genre. He is survived by his wife and his brother.