TV On The Radio Bassist Gerard Smith Dies

The band TV on the Radio has canceled five of its upcoming tour dates due to the death of its bassist / keyboardist, Gerard Smith, at age 36 on Wednesday morning.

Smith, who joined the group in 2003, was diagnosed with lung cancer in mid-March, just as the band was wrapping up production of its fifth studio album, Nine Types of Light, reports Spinner. The album was released to critical acclaim on April 11, and instrumentalists Jaleel Bunton and Jahphet Landis have been filling in for Smith to promote the record during his illness. Smith was with the band for the last three of their record releases, including 2008's Dear Science, which was named album of the year by Rolling Stone, MTV, and Spin.

"We are very sad to announce the death of our beloved friend and bandmate, Gerard Smith, following a courageous fight against lung cancer," the band posted on its website. "We will miss him terribly." —KIMBERLY STEELE