Fred Smith, Television bassist, dead at 77

"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. 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 a more."

"We met in 1980 playing, with Jay Dee Daugherty on drums, in The Eve Moon Band, and soon after, the three of us were the NYC version of Holly and The Italians with Holly Beth Vincent. 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."

Fred Smith, bassist for Television, Tom Verlaine and other bands, died at age 77. Jimmy Rip, who played in Television from 2007 to 2023, announced Smith's passing and recalled their 46-year friendship. They met in 1980 playing in The Eve Moon Band with Jay Dee Daugherty and soon formed the NYC version of Holly and The Italians with Holly Beth Vincent. In 1981 Tom Verlaine prepared to tour for Dreamtime; Fred and Jay recommended Rip as second guitarist, leading to long musical and personal friendships. Smith also played in an early lineup of Blondie and with The Fleshtones and The Roches. He was praised for melodic bass lines, counterpoint, and a natural, unflashy style that served the song. He battled illness for several years and had plans to perform Tom Verlaine's music live; Rip said they were able to say "love you" as their last words.

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