American bassist (Television, Blondie)
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Key moments and achievements from Fred Smith's life.
Fred was born
· Bloomington, New York, U.S.
Band Formation
Fred Smith was part of the early New York City punk scene from its inception, playing with Angel and the Snake, the band that would eventually evolve into Blondie. As one of the original members alongside Debbie Harry and Chris Stein, Smith helped shape the foundational sound of one of the most iconic bands from the CBGB scene.
Band Formation
Fred Smith was part of the early New York City punk scene from its inception, playing with Angel and the Snake, the band that would eventually evolve into Blondie. As one of the original members alongside Debbie Harry and Chris Stein, Smith helped shape the foundational sound of one of the most iconic bands from the CBGB scene.
Career Move
In March 1975, Smith left Blondie to join Television, replacing bassist Richard Hell after co-founder Tom Verlaine had a falling out with Hell. This pivotal move placed Smith at the center of one of punk rock's most influential bands, performing regularly at CBGB and Max's Kansas City.
Career Move
In March 1975, Smith left Blondie to join Television, replacing bassist Richard Hell after co-founder Tom Verlaine had a falling out with Hell. This pivotal move placed Smith at the center of one of punk rock's most influential bands, performing regularly at CBGB and Max's Kansas City.
Album Release
Smith played bass on Television's debut album "Marquee Moon," released in 1977. Widely regarded as one of the greatest albums in rock history, it featured the iconic 10-minute title track and established Television as pioneers of art punk. The album's intricate guitar work over Smith's steady bass lines created a revolutionary sound.
Album Release
Smith played bass on Television's debut album "Marquee Moon," released in 1977. Widely regarded as one of the greatest albums in rock history, it featured the iconic 10-minute title track and established Television as pioneers of art punk. The album's intricate guitar work over Smith's steady bass lines created a revolutionary sound.
Album Release
Smith performed on Television's second album "Adventure," released in 1978. While more commercially accessible than its predecessor, the album showcased the band's continued musical evolution. Shortly after its release, Television disbanded, though the album has been reassessed favorably by critics over the decades.
Album Release
Smith performed on Television's second album "Adventure," released in 1978. While more commercially accessible than its predecessor, the album showcased the band's continued musical evolution. Shortly after its release, Television disbanded, though the album has been reassessed favorably by critics over the decades.
Session Work
Beyond Television, Smith maintained an active career as a bassist working with a diverse array of artists including the Fleshtones, the Roches, Willie Nile, Peregrins, and the Revelons. He brought his distinctive playing style to multiple genres and earned respect as a versatile, reliable musician in the New York music community.
Session Work
Beyond Television, Smith maintained an active career as a bassist working with a diverse array of artists including the Fleshtones, the Roches, Willie Nile, Peregrins, and the Revelons. He brought his distinctive playing style to multiple genres and earned respect as a versatile, reliable musician in the New York music community.
Band Reunion
Smith rejoined Television for their 1992 reunion, playing bass on the band's self-titled third album. The reunion record received positive reviews and proved the band had lost none of their creative chemistry after a 14-year hiatus. Smith continued to play with Television during their subsequent tours.
Band Reunion
Smith rejoined Television for their 1992 reunion, playing bass on the band's self-titled third album. The reunion record received positive reviews and proved the band had lost none of their creative chemistry after a 14-year hiatus. Smith continued to play with Television during their subsequent tours.
Fred Smith passed away
