Rock legend Fred Smith, an original member of Blondie, has died aged 77.
The bassist, who also performed with Television, was remembered by bandmate Jimmy Rip, who said he was ‘not only my bandmate for 46 years – he was my true friend’.
Writing on Instagram on Friday, he added in tribute: ‘He was a great running buddy and exactly the guy you wanted around when road life got wearisome.
‘His sense of humour, 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.’
His post concluded: ‘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.’
Rip further shared that Smith had been ill for a ‘few years’, despite which he fought ‘long and hard’ and continued to ‘look forward to new projects’.
‘It just wasn’t meant to be,’ he added solemnly, revealing that the pair had plans to play music by frontman Tom Verlaine, who died in January 2023, this year.
‘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.’
The American musician began with Angel and the Snake, which later changed its name to Blondie.
He quit in 1975 before the Debbie Harry-fronted group began their recording career, and he replaced Richard Hell after he left rock group Television over disputes with Verlaine.
Smith declared Blondie a ‘sinking ship’ at the time he bowed out, calling Television his ‘favourite band’.
He played with them until they split in 1978, featuring on the debut album Marquee Moon (1977) and the record Adventure (1978).
Smith would rejoin Television for their 1992 reunion, which led to the release of their self-titled third album and a string of live gigs in the 2000s. The late star also played with various members for their solo work.
Other artists Smith worked with included The Roches, Willie Nile, Peregrins, and The Revelons. In the late 80s, he also toured with The Fleshtones.
Smith is survived by his wife, artist Paula Cereghino. Together, they began making their own wine in the late 90s from their New York apartment, which eventually progressed into them establishing their artisanal winery, Cereghino Smith, in 2007.
Following news of his death, tributes have been shared by fellow music stars, including Tish and Snooky Bellomo, who founded Manic Panic.
‘We knew Fred from being in the first Blondie lineup with him and we remained close friends ever since,’ they penned. ‘Most famous for being the legendary bassist for Television, he played with countless other greats.’
They added with an affectionate nickname: ‘Fredski was the sweetest, most genuine, brilliant gentle man.
‘To his beautiful wife Paula, and all who loved him – we share your sorrow deeply.’
Fans have posted their own tributes to celebrate Smith’s talents.
‘I’ll never forget your intro base line to “Little Johnny Jewel.” Thank you for the brilliant performance!’, wrote @village_green_p on X.
‘Saw Television once in 2016, they were great then. Another sad loss, RIP Fred’, said @lightshadowligh.
‘Oh man. Television is and will always be one of the most influential bands of all time’, added @7PaulPocket3.
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