TV on the Radio bassist dies; Friday show at Metro postponed

Gerard Smith, bassist for the acclaimed band TV on the Radio, died on Wednesday at age 34 after a battle with lung cancer, according to an announcement on the band’s website.

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

As a result, the band has canceled five concerts — including the scheduled show Friday night at Chicago’s Metro. The band’s statement says “canceled,” but an announcement from the Metro calls it “postponed,” adding: “Fans have the option to hold onto their tickets for a possible rescheduled show, or return to point of purchase for a refund.”

TV on the Radio had just released the album “Nine Types of Light” to many great reviews, though Smith was not on the current tour to support it. The band only revealed that Smith was undergoing treatment for cancer about one month ago.