Remembering Fred Smith: The Legacy of Television's Influential Bass Player
Fred Smith, the bass player for the influential proto-punk band Television, passed away at the age of 77. The band announced his death on their Instagram page. Smith began his music career with Angel and the Snake, later joining Blondie. In 1975, he joined Television, replacing Richard Hell. Following the band's breakup in 1978, Smith played on solo albums for Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd, as well as for other artists like The Roches, Willie Nile, Peregrins, and The Revelons. He also toured with The Fleshtones. Smith reunited with Television in 1992 and participated in numerous tours. Jimmy Rip, a fellow Television member, paid tribute to Smith on Instagram, highlighting their long friendship and musical collaborations. Smith's melodic bass lines and musical contributions were praised for their subtlety and essential role in serving the song. Despite battling illness in recent years, Smith remained dedicated to his music projects. He and his wife, Paula Cereghino, founded the artisanal winery Cereghino Smith in Bloomington, New York. Smith's legacy as a talented musician and friend will be deeply missed.