RIP: Gerard Smith

TV On The Radio bassist Gerard Smith passed away yesterday, following his battle with lung cancer. He was 34. The news came via an announcement from the band.

“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 said in a statement. “Gerard passed away the morning of April 20th, 2011. We will miss him terribly.”

News of Smith’s battle with cancer came just a month ago, just after the band completed recording their latest album, Nine Types of Light. The band is on tour in support of the album, but the next five dates have been canceled.

Smith joined the band in 2005, and was part of the group’s 2006 release, Return to Cookie Mountain, and 2008’s Dear Science.

Our thoughts are with Gerard’s family, friends and bandmates.