TV on the Radio bassist Gerard Smith

[Flyman35]

http://www.popeater.com/2011/03/15/gerard.smith-cancer/

Brooklyn band TV on the Radio has announced that bassist Gerard Smith is battling lung cancer.

According to a statement on the band's official website, Smith will be sitting out their upcoming tour in order to receive treatment for the disease, which was diagnosed shortly after the band wrapped their new album, 'Nine Types Of Light,' due out April 12.

"Upon the completion of 'Nine Types of Light', Gerard was diagnosed with lung cancer," the band said. "As a result, he has been undergoing treatment and will be unable to participate in the upcoming tour."

The statement continued: "Gerard is fortunate enough to have health insurance and is receiving excellent medical care. 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."

In the meantime, the rest of band will focus their efforts on drumming up excitement for 'Nine Types of Light,' which is their forth studio album and follow-up to 2008's 'Dear Science.'

TV on the Radio will also headline AOL Music and Spinner's hotly anticipated SXSW showcase on Thursday, March 17, at Austin's famed Stubb's Bar-B-Q, before playing a string of U.S. dates this April. So why not come out and send some positive vibes their way, and let Smith know we hope to see him healthy and back on stage again soon.