Too Young and Too Talented: TV on the Radio Bassist Gerard Smith Dead of Cancer at 34

We heard the news today, oh boy.

Just as avante-rock band TV on the Radio released a gorgeous new album "Nine Types of Light" - to critical acclaim and a debut at No 12 in the Billboard charts - it announced today that the band's talented bassist and multi-instrumentalist Gerard Smith passed away this morning of lung cancer.

He was only 34. Damn.

"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 20th, 2011. We will miss him terribly," said the band in a statement on its website.

The band had announced Smith's cancer a month ago, but at the time, things looked vaguely positive.

"Gerard is fortunate enough to have health insurance and is receiving excellent medical care," said the band at the time.

"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 worked with the band on two of its revered and critically acclaimed albums "Return to Cookie Mountain" and "Dear Science," playing piano, bass, organ, guitar, sitar and providing vocals.

For an example of Smith's work, check out the imposing bass line from TVOTR's most danceable hit "Golden Age":

Watch the 60-minute video of the entire new TV on the Radio album "Nine Types of Light":