Gerard Smith of TV on the Radio dead from lung cancer at 34

TV on the Radio bassist Gerard Smith has died, the band confirms. He was only 34 and was diagnosed with lung cancer just over a month before his death.

"We are very sad to announce the death of our beloved friend and bandmate, Gerard Smith, following a courageous fight against lung cancer," the statement reads. "Gerard passed away the morning of April 20th, 2011. We will miss him terribly."

After a year-long musical hiatus, TV on the Radio recently released a new album, "Nine Types of Light," just a week before Smith's passing. They were touring with a replacement bassist as Smith sought treatment, but they have canceled five shows while the band grieves.

Smith had been part of the band since 2005.