Television Bassist Fred Smith Dies at 77

The influential musician helped define the sound of the pioneering punk band.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Fred Smith, the bassist for the influential punk band Television, has died at the age of 77. Smith's melodic and understated playing style was integral to Television's distinctive sound during the band's most acclaimed period in the mid-1970s. After Television disbanded, Smith remained an in-demand collaborator, contributing to solo projects by his bandmates and working with other artists. He rejoined Television when the group reunited in the 1990s and continued to tour with them until his death.

Why it matters

Fred Smith was a highly respected and influential bassist whose work with Television helped shape the sound of early American punk rock. His passing marks the loss of a musician whose musical intelligence and commitment to serving the song left a lasting impact on the genre.

The details

Smith first played with the group Angel and the Snake, which would later become Blondie, before joining Television in 1975 as the band's bassist. His arrival coincided with Television's most acclaimed period, and his melodic, understated playing style was integral to the group's distinctive sound. After Television disbanded in 1978, Smith remained an in-demand collaborator, contributing to solo albums by his bandmates Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd, as well as working with acts like The Roches, Willie Nile, and The Fleshtones. Smith rejoined Television when the band reunited in 1992 and remained part of the group for numerous tours.

  • Fred Smith died on February 9, 2026 at the age of 77.
  • Smith first joined Television in 1975.
  • Television disbanded in 1978.
  • Television reunited in 1992, with Smith as part of the lineup.
  • Smith continued to tour with Television until his death.

The players

Fred Smith

The influential bassist whose melodic sensibility helped define the sound of the pioneering punk band Television.

Television

The American punk rock band that Smith was a member of, known for their distinctive blend of punk urgency and lyrical sophistication.

Tom Verlaine

The guitarist and co-founder of Television, with whom Smith collaborated on solo projects after the band's initial breakup.

Richard Lloyd

The guitarist of Television, another bandmate with whom Smith collaborated on solo albums after the group disbanded.

Jimmy Rip

The guitarist who was Smith's longtime bandmate in Television and reflected on their decades-long friendship and collaboration.

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What they’re saying

“The legendary bassist for Television, Tom Verlaine and many others, Fred Smith, was not only my bandmate for 46 years — he was my true friend. He was a great running buddy and exactly the guy you wanted around when road life got wearisome. His sense of humor, much like his musical voice, was dry, subtle, to the point, hilarious and always left you wanting a more. Yesterday, he left this world, leaving so many who loved him wanting so much more…of him.”

— Jimmy Rip, Guitarist (Instagram)

“If you are a lover of melodic bass lines and counterpoint, you could go to school on what Fred created so effortlessly. He was a natural — never flashy, always essential — always serving the song in ways that only the greatest musicians can…”

— Jimmy Rip, Guitarist (Instagram)

What’s next

Plans were in place for Television to perform Tom Verlaine's music live this year, but those plans have been put on hold following Smith's passing.

The takeaway

Fred Smith's death marks the loss of a highly influential and respected bassist whose understated yet essential contributions helped shape the sound of the pioneering punk band Television and left a lasting impact on American rock music.