Fred Smith, Television and original Blondie bassist, dead aged 77
Fred Smith, the bassist for proto-punk band Television and the original Blondie bassist, has passed away at the age of 77.
His death was confirmed on February 6th by his bandmates via social media, who shared that he had died the day before.
Guitarist, songwriter, and producer Jimmy Rip paid tribute to his friend in the announcement, revealing, “He fought his illness long and hard these last few years, looking always forward to new projects… we had big plans to play Tom’s music live this year… But it just wasn’t meant to be.” This illness wasn’t specified.
Smith started out as the original bassist for Angel and the Snake, which would later become Blondie, in 1974. However, he left a year later to join Television, replacing Richard Hell. He stayed with the band until they split in 1978.
Since the breakup, Smith has featured on plenty of solo albums for the likes of Richard Lloyd, Tom Verlaine, Willie Nile, and the Revelons.
Subsequently, he was part of the Television reunion in 1992 and went on to play with the band on numerous tours.
The statement sharing news of his death also contained plenty of kind words about the musician. Rip wrote, “Fred Smith was not only my bandmate for 46 years — he was my true friend.”
He added, “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 also recalled the sheer talent Smith had, sharing, “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 signed off the tribute with the confession: “I will miss him more than anyone can imagine.”
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