U.S. media outlets reported Smith’s death on the 6th (local time). Television’s guitarist Jimmy Rip took to social media to pay tribute to his longtime friend and bandmate.
“Fred Smith, Television’s legendary bassist, was a cherished friend for 46 years,” Rip shared. He noted that even during Smith’s prolonged illness, the musician never lost his passion for exploring new musical territories. Rip revealed that Smith had hoped to perform with his bandmates this year, but those plans sadly didn’t materialize.
“Thankfully, we were able to say our goodbyes. ‘I love you’ were our final words to each other,” Rip added, expressing a profound sense of loss.
Formed in New York in 1973, Television quickly became a cornerstone of American avant-garde music. Their 1977 debut album ‘Marquee Moon’ garnered widespread critical acclaim from influential music publications like Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and AllMusic. Despite periods of disbandment and reunion, Television consistently maintained their distinctive musical vision.
The band made a lasting impression on South Korean fans with a memorable joint performance alongside local indie favorites Jang Kiha and the Faces in 2013. This show was part of a “curation concert” series, where artists invite musicians they admire to share the stage.
Television’s official activities effectively came to an end in 2023 with the passing of frontman Tom Verlaine.
Image: Television ‘MARQUEE MOON,’ courtesy of Jimmy Rip’s account
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