RE: https://sfba.social/@historyofpunkrock/116027969166627483

This is sad news. Obviously Fred Smith played on one of the greatest rock records of all time, but he also contributed bass and production on Tom Verlaine's early solo albums as well as other projects. A great bass player, he locked in so well with Billy Ficca's drumming. I read that he was mocked on the NY proto-punk scene for switching from Blondie to Television (replacing Richard Hell), especially as Blondie became successful while Television were slow burning. The correct choice IMO.