The band has canceled four upcoming tour shows in wake of the tragedy.
The band announced on its website in March that Smith was taking time off to be treated for cancer.
"Gerard is fortunate enough to have health insurance and is receiving excellent medical care," the announcement read. "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."
This is a terrible tragedy for music. While I realize many people have died from lung cancer who never have picked up a cigarette in their lives, I'm assuming that Smith was a smoker. I have seen TV on the Radio in concert a few times and remembered some of them smoking on stage. As someone who has struggled with smoking, I understand how hard it can be to quit. While I only ever considered myself a "social smoker," I know how easy it is to reach for a cigarette when you crave smoking at certain times (drinking, with coffee, driving, etc). If Smith never smoked in his life, please correct me of my ignorance. Who knows, is 36 too young for smoking-related lung cancer to manifest itself? Any contributions would be appreciated.
RIP Gerard Smith. Your musicianship has inspired me in an incredible way. If you aren't familiar with Smith's work, I would highly advise you to pick up my favorite album of the past several years, "Dear Science" (2008) or their newest album, "Nine Types of Light." "Return to Cookie Mountain" (2006) was incredible also.
Here's the music video for my favorite song, "Wolf Like Me."
Here's the music video for my favorite song, "Wolf Like Me."
