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Tributes Paid as Television and Original Blondie Bassist Fred Smith Dies, Age 77: "He Was a Natural – Never Flashy, Always Essential"
Fred Smith was a key figure in influential bands Television and Blondie, known for his melodic bass lines and collaborations with multiple artists over decades.
- Television confirmed on Instagram that Fred Smith, bassist, died on Thursday, Feb. 5, after fighting an illness.
- After leaving Blondie's early lineup, Smith moved to Television in 1975, replacing Richard Hell and linking two NYC bands.
- Television's albums 'Marquee Moon' and 'Adventure' featured Smith's bass, and after the band's breakup, he recorded with Tom Verlaine, Richard Lloyd, the Roches, and Willie Nile.
- Tributes from peers including Tish and Snooky Bellomo, with Jimmy Rip recalling Smith as a close bandmate and friend on Instagram, and offering condolences to his wife Paula.
- Looking to legacy, many musicians pointed to Smith's melodic bass lines, with Rip saying plans to perform Verlaine's music this year did not materialize.
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13 Articles
13 Articles
Fred Smith has died, his band Television has confirmed. The bassist was 77 years old.
·Stockholm, Sweden
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Tributes paid as Television and original Blondie bassist Fred Smith dies, age 77: "He was a natural – never flashy, always essential"
Tributes paid as Television and original Blondie bassist Fred Smith dies, age 77: "He was a natural – never flashy, always essential"
·London, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Left
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources lean Left
67% Left
L 67%
C 33%
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