Fred Smith, the iconic bassist of the pioneering American punk band Television, has died.
Variety reported on February 6 that Smith passed away on February 5 at the age of 77. Television’s guitarist Jimmy Rip took to social media to honor his longtime friend and bandmate.
Rip described Smith as “a true friend and collaborator for 46 years.” He revealed that Smith had been battling illness in recent years but continued to dream of new projects. “We had plans to perform Tom’s music live this year, but it wasn’t meant to be,” Rip shared. He added, “Thankfully, we were able to say goodbye, and ‘I love you’ were our final words to each other. I’ll miss him more than words can express.”
Television, formed in New York in 1973, is widely regarded as a seminal force in American avant-garde music. Their 1977 major label debut, ‘Marquee Moon,’ received near-universal acclaim from influential music publications like Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and AllMusic. The band’s career was marked by breakups and reunions.
In 2013, Television participated in a unique “curation concert” in South Korea, sharing the stage with local indie rock band Kiha & The Faces. The concept allowed musicians to perform alongside their favorite artists. The band’s activities effectively came to an end in 2023 with the passing of frontman, vocalist, and guitarist Tom Verlaine.
Photo: Television ‘MARQUEE MOON,’ Jimmy Rip’s social media account
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