Gerard Smith, left, with TVOTR in 2008 (photo by Michael Lavine)
TV on the Radio's Gerard Smith died this morning of lung cancer and the band has canceled five shows, including those Saturday and Sunday at First Avenue.
Smith, who has played bass and keyboards, was no longer touring with the avant-rock band from Brooklyn. His illness was announced by the band on March 11. This afternoon, the band posted the information about Smith's death. "We will miss him terribly," their 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. There is no word yet about rescheduling the First Avenue shows.
