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 the late Fred Smith, the bassist who played in an early version of Blondie before going on to join the band Television. Harry shared a black-and-white photo of the early Blondie lineup, which included Smith, performing at the legendary CBGC club in New York City in 1975.

Why it matters

Fred Smith's contributions to the early Blondie lineup and the influential New York punk scene of the 1970s are being recognized following his passing. As a founding member of both Blondie and Television, Smith played a key role in shaping the sound of two of the most iconic bands to emerge from 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 the band Television.

  • Fred Smith passed away on February 5, 2026 at the age of 77.
  • The photo of the early Blondie lineup featuring Smith was taken in 1975 at CBGB in New York City.

The players

Debbie Harry

The lead singer of the iconic band Blondie.

Fred Smith

The bassist who played in an early incarnation of Blondie before going on to join the band Television.

Television

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

Blondie

The iconic American new wave and rock band formed in New York City in the mid-1970s.

Chris Stein

The guitarist and co-founder of Blondie.

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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

Fred Smith's legacy as a founding member of both Blondie and Television cements his place as an influential figure in the seminal New York punk scene of the 1970s. His passing is being mourned by his former bandmates and music fans alike, underscoring the lasting impact he had on the development of those two iconic bands.