Fred Smith, an original member of the band that went on to become Blondie, has died at the age of 77 following an illness, his bandmates have announced on social media
Fred Smith has died at the age of 77. The musician was best known for being part of legendary rock band Blondie alongside the likes of Debbie Harry and Chris Stein over the years before going on to be in the band Television but passed away on Thursday following an illness.
His Television bandmate and guitarist Jimmy Rip wrote on Instagram: “The legendary bassist for Television, Tom Verlaine and many others, Fred Smith, was not only my bandmate for 46 years — he was my true friend. He was a great running buddy and exactly the guy you wanted around when road life got wearisome.
The rock star was the original musician for Angel and the Snake, which would later become Blondie, and stayed with the band for a year from their formation in 1974 before going on to join Television. He is survived by his wife
Jimmy 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 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. 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. 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.”
Other musicians were quick to pay tribute to the star, with Manic Panic founders Tish and Snooky Bellomo 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.”
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