Update: TV On The Radio bass player had died of lung cancer
Unfortunately, today we have not just one news story about a musician contracting cancer, but two. As well as Fenech Soler‘s Ben Duffy being diagnosed with testicular cancer, across the Atlantic reports have surfaced that Gerard Smith of TV On The Radio is battling lung cancer.
The band’s website states that Smith is undergoing treatment and will be sitting out the band’s tour in support of forthcoming album Nine Types Of Light. The statement continues with, “Gerard is fortunate enough to have health insurance and is receiving excellent medical care. Already we have seen dramatic results. Combine that with Gerard’s legendarily willful disposition and it might just be cancer that has the problem. We appreciate your concern and support for Gerard and his family.”
The Brooklyn band’s plans are not being altered and they will continue with this year’s US and European tour. A new track, Caffeinated Consciousness, can be downloaded from the band’s website right now.
Multi-instrumentalist Smith joined TV On The Radio in 2005, the first album he played on being 2006’s Return To Cookie Mountain. According to the band’s statement, Smith’s diagnosis came shortly after the band had finished recording Nine Types Of Light, their fifth studio album.
