Fred Smith

Fred Smith, bassist for the early punk band Television and a former member of Blondie, died February 5, 2026, of cancer at the age of 77.

Smith was involved in New York City's nascent punk scene from its inception, playing with the band Angel and the Snake, which eventually became Blondie, before joining Television in March 1975. Formed in 1973, Television set itself apart from its punk contemporaries by blending a high level of musicianship and improvisational jazz influence with the rebellious, do-it-yourself ethos of the scene. When co-founder Tom Verlaine (1949–2023) had a falling out with bassist Richard Hell, Smith left the then-floundering Blondie to replace him.

Smith was with the band until its 1978 breakup, playing on their seminal album, "Marquee Moon," as well as 1978's "Adventure." He also rejoined Television for their 1992 reunion, playing on their self-titled record released that same year, and continued to play with the band during their infrequent tours.

Smith so clicked with his bandmates that he also played on solo records by Verlaine and Television co-founder Richard Lloyd.

"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," Television guitarist Jimmy RIP wrote on Instagram.

Smith's musical impact extended beyond Television. He also played with the Fleshtones, the Roches, Willie Nile, Peregrins, and the Revelons.

He and his wife, artist Paula Cereghino, founded Cereghino Smith, an artisanal winery in Bloomington, NY.

By Eric San Juan

(Image: Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)