Rock Legend Fred Smith, Original Blondie Bassist, Passes Away at 77
Fred Smith, an original member of the iconic band Blondie and celebrated bassist for the influential group Television, has died at the age of 77. The news was confirmed by his longtime bandmate and friend, Jimmy Rip, who shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, mourning the loss of a musical giant and cherished companion.
A Heartfelt Tribute from a Lifelong Friend
In a poignant Instagram post, Jimmy Rip reflected on their 46-year partnership, describing Smith as "not only my bandmate for 46 years – he was my true friend." He praised Smith's unique qualities, noting, "He was a great running buddy and exactly the guy you wanted around when road life got wearisome." Rip highlighted Smith's distinctive humour and musical talent, saying, "His sense of humour, much like his musical voice, was dry, subtle, to the point, hilarious and always left you wanting more."
Rip's tribute emphasised Smith's profound impact on music, stating, "If you are a lover of melodic bass lines and counterpoint, you could go to school on what Fred created so effortlessly." He characterised Smith as "a natural — never flashy, always essential — always serving the song in ways that only the greatest musicians can."
A Storied Career in Music
Fred Smith's musical journey began with Angel and the Snake, which later evolved into the legendary band Blondie. He departed from Blondie in 1975, famously referring to it as a "sinking ship" at the time, and joined Television as a replacement for Richard Hell. Smith declared Television his "favourite band," and his tenure with them included contributions to their seminal debut album, Marquee Moon (1977), and the follow-up record, Adventure (1978).
After Television's initial split in 1978, Smith rejoined the band for their 1992 reunion, which resulted in their self-titled third album and numerous live performances throughout the 2000s. Beyond his work with Blondie and Television, Smith collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including:
- The Roches
- Willie Nile
- Peregrins
- The Revelons
In the late 1980s, he also toured with The Fleshtones, showcasing his versatility and enduring presence in the rock scene.
Personal Life and Legacy
Jimmy Rip revealed that Smith had been battling illness for "a few years," yet he fought "long and hard" and remained optimistic about future projects. Rip shared, "It just wasn't meant to be," noting that they had planned to perform music by Tom Verlaine, Television's frontman who died in 2023. He expressed gratitude for their final moments, saying, "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."
Smith is survived by his wife, artist Paula Cereghino. Together, they embarked on a winemaking venture in the late 1990s, starting from their New York apartment and eventually founding the artisanal winery Cereghino Smith in 2007, blending his artistic passions with entrepreneurial spirit.
Tributes from the Music Community
Following the announcement of his passing, tributes flooded in from fellow musicians. Tish and Snooky Bellomo, founders of Manic Panic and former bandmates from Blondie's early days, shared their condolences, writing, "We knew Fred from being in the first Blondie lineup with him and we remained close friends ever since." They added, "Most famous for being the legendary bassist for Television, he played with countless other greats." Affectionately referring to him as "Fredski," they described him as "the sweetest, most genuine, brilliant gentle man" and extended their sympathies to his wife and loved ones.
Fred Smith's legacy as a pioneering bassist and beloved figure in the rock world continues to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on music history and the hearts of those who knew him.
