Debbie Harry Pays Tribute to Early Blondie Bassist Fred Smith

The Blondie frontwoman honored the late Television bassist who played in an early incarnation of the band.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Debbie Harry, the lead singer of the iconic band Blondie, has paid tribute to Fred Smith, the late bassist of the influential punk rock band Television. Smith played in an early version of Blondie before leaving to join Television in 1975.

Why it matters

Blondie and Television were two of the most important bands to emerge from the 1970s CBGB punk scene in New York City. Smith's connections to both groups highlight the interconnected nature of the early punk rock community and the shared musical influences that shaped the sound of that era.

The details

In 1974, Debbie Harry, Chris Stein, Fred Smith, and drummer Billy O'Connor formed a new band originally called Angel and the Snake, which later became Blondie and the Banzai Babies before settling on just Blondie. Smith left the group in 1975 to replace Richard Hell in Television. Debbie Harry shared a black-and-white photo of the early Blondie lineup featuring Smith, herself, and backup singers Tish Bellomo and Snooky Bellomo playing at the legendary CBGB club in New York.

  • In 1974, the early Blondie lineup featuring Fred Smith was formed.
  • Smith left Blondie in 1975 to join Television.
  • Fred Smith passed away on February 5, 2026 at the age of 77.

The players

Debbie Harry

The lead singer of the iconic band Blondie.

Fred Smith

The late bassist who played in an early incarnation of Blondie before joining the influential punk rock band Television.

Television

An influential American punk rock band that emerged from the CBGB scene in New York City in the 1970s.

Blondie

An iconic American rock band that was a key part of the CBGB punk scene in New York City in the 1970s.

CBGB

A legendary music club in New York City that was the birthplace of the punk rock scene in the 1970s.

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What they’re saying

“Rest in peace, Fred Smith. Thank you for your dedication to music — your contributions will not be forgotten.”

— Debbie Harry (Instagram)

The takeaway

The tribute from Debbie Harry highlights the interconnected nature of the early punk rock community in New York City, where influential bands like Blondie and Television shared members and musical influences that helped shape the sound of the era.