TV on the Radio Bassist Gerard Smith Dies of Cancer

April 20, 2011— -- Gerard Smith, bassist for the critically-acclaimed rock band TV on the Radio, died on Wednesday from lung cancer. He was 36 years old.

"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 20, 2011. We will miss him terribly," the band posted on its website.

TV on the Radio canceled five upcoming tour shows -- in Detroit, Chicago, Denver and Minneapolis -- for of its new album, "Nine Types of Light," which reached number 12 on this week's Billboard charts.

The band announced on its website in March that Smith was taking time off to be treated for cancer.

"Gerard is fortunate enough to have health insurance and is receiving excellent medical care," the announcement read. "Already we have seen dramatic results. Combine that with Gerard's legendarily willful disposition and it might just be cancer that has the problem. We appreciate your concern and support for Gerard and his family."

Smith joined the Brooklyn-based band in 2005, and he contributed to its two acclaimed albums "Return to Cookie Mountain," in 2006 and "Dear Science" in 2008, which Rolling Stone magazine named Album of the Year.