Fred Smith Dies: Television Bassist Was 77
What To Know
- Fred Smith, renowned bassist for the influential ’70s rock band Television, has died at age 77.
- Bandmate Jimmy Rip and fans paid tribute to Smith’s melodic, essential bass playing and his lasting impact on the music community.
- Smith joined Television in 1975, contributing to iconic tracks like “Marquee Moon” and “Elevation,” and was remembered as a beloved friend and musician.
Fred Smith, the musician best known as the bassist for Television, is dead at 77.
On Friday, February 6, the ’70s rock band took to Instagram to announce Smith’s death, beginning the update by writing, “FRED SMITH 1948-2026.”
“The legendary bassist for Television, Tom Verlaine, and many others, Fred Smith, was not only my bandmate for 46 years — he was my true friend,” Jimmy Rip, a Television guitarist from 2007 to 2023, wrote. “He was a great running buddy and exactly the guy you wanted around when road life got wearisome. His sense of humor, much like his musical voice, was dry, subtle, to the point, hilarious, and always left you wanting more. Yesterday, he left this world, leaving so many who loved him wanting so much more…of him.”
In the post, Rip recalled meeting Smith in 1980 while playing in The Eve Moon Band, with Jay Dee Daugherty on drums.
“Soon after, the three of us were the NYC version of Holly and The Italians with Holly Beth Vincent,” he added. “In 1981, when Tom Verlaine was preparing to tour for his disc Dreamtime, which Fred and Jay had performed on, they recommended me as second guitar, leading to very long and rich musical, and personal friendships.”
Rip continued, “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.”
To conclude the touching tribute, Rip noted that Smith “fought his illness long and hard these last few years,” and that the band “had big plans to play Tom’s music live this year.” He shared, “Thankfully, we were able to say goodbye, ‘love you’ were our last words to each other. I will miss him more than anyone can imagine.”
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In the comments, Television fans joined Rip and the band in mourning Smith’s death as they shared tributes. One Instagram user wrote, “💔💔💔. I’m so sorry for your loss. He was an incredible musician.”
Another follower shared, “Sorry for your loss. As a bass player, I’ve always admired Fred’s ability to add the magic notes.”
Someone else echoed, “Heartbroken doesn’t cover it 💔, lots of strength and love Jimmy.”
A different fan commented, “He wrote the best bass line ever…’Elevation.'”
Meanwhile, yet another Instagram user wrote, “Such sad news, Jimmy. 💐RIP Fred. A legend who left an incredible legacy.”
In addition to Rip, Smith, and Verlaine (who died in January 2023 at 73), Television band members included Richard Lloyd on guitar and Billy Ficca on drums. Smith replaced the original bassist, Richard Hell, in 1975.
Television was known for songs like “Marquee Moon,” “See No Evil,” “Venus,” and “Friction” from their debut 1977 album, also titled Marquee Moon, in addition to tracks like “Prove It,” “Elevation,” “Foxhole,” and more.