[Shaun]

TV On The Radio's bassist Gerard Smith has died of lung cancer, the band have confirmed.

A statement went online at Tvontheradio.com today (April 20), confirming that Smith passed away this morning.

The band said: "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."

They also cancelled a series of forthcoming shows:

St. Andrew Halls, Detroit MI (April 20)
Metro, Chicago IL (22)
First Ave, Minneapolis MN (23)
First Ave, Minneapolis MN (24)
Ogden, Denver CO (26)

Smith was diagnosed with the disease after the band finished recording their new album 'Nine Types Of Light', which was released on April 11.

only reviewed the new album yesterday and mentioned the cancer, didn't think it'd be that soon