TV on the Radio's Gerard Smith died Wednesday morning of lung cancer and the critically acclaimed avant-rock band has canceled five shows, including those Saturday and Sunday at First Avenue.

Smith, who played bass and keyboards, was no longer touring with the Brooklyn collective. His illness was announced by the band on March 11. On Wednesday afternoon, the band posted the information about Smith's death. "We will miss him terribly," its website said. TV on the Radio released "Nine Types of Light," its fifth album, last week. The band is expected to resume its tour on April 29 in San Francisco. First Avenue is offering refunds because "we don't know when we'll get them back but we will bring them back -- hopefully in the late summer or fall," said First Ave general manager Nate Kranz.

JON BREAM