Gerard Smith, bassist for the rock band TV on the Radio, died Wednesday of lung cancer. He was 34.

The news was posted on the band’s website:

“We are very sad to announce the death of our beloved friend and bandmate, Gerard Smith, following a courageous fight against lung cancer. Gerard passed away the morning of April 20, 2011. We will miss him terribly.”

Last month, the band announced that Smith was taking some time off to receive treatment for his illness. “Gerard is fortunate enough to have health insurance and is receiving excellent medical care. 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.”

Smith became part of the band in 2005, and released two albums with them: Return to Cookie Mountain (2006) and Dear Science (2008).

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