TV On The Radio Bassist Gerard Smith Dies 16.38K Max Read 04/20/11 05:42PM Filed to: rip rip and now he's dead Gerard smith tv on the radio Music lung cancer Tweetg Tweetd Fb Gerard Smith, bassist for rock band TV On The Radio, died of lung cancer on Wednesday. He was 35. Smith had been diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and opted to stay home during their current tour to receive treatment.