TVOTR Bassist Gerard Smith Passes Away at Age of 34

Gerard Smith, the bassist for TV on the Radio, has passed away after a battle with lung cancer at the age of 34. The band announced in recent weeks that Smith has been battling lung cancer and would not be touring with the band in support of their new album, Nine Types of Light. Here is what the band had to say today on their web site:

We are very sad to announce the death of our beloved friend and bandmate, Gerard Smith, following a courageous fight against lung cancer. Gerard passed away the morning of April 20th, 2011. We will miss him terribly.

 The following TVOTR dates have been canceled:

04/20/11 Wed St. Andrews Hall Detroit, MI
04/22/11 Fri Metro Chicago, IL
04/23/11 Sat First Avenue Minneapolis, MN
04/24/11 Sun First Avenue Minneapolis, MN
04/26/11 Tue Ogden Theatre Denver, CO

R.I.P.