Fred Smith, best known for being bassist in the legendary rock band Blondie, have passed away at the age of 77.

The musician was a founding member of the band with Debbie Harry and Chris Stein for years. Smith then move to be in band Television, where he made his coherent image performing.

On Thursday, February 5, Smith died after illness. His death news, however, broke out on Saturday, February 7, when his bandmant and guitarish Jimmy Rip paid him tribute on Instagram.

"The legendary bassist for Television, Tom Verlaine and many others, Fred Smith, was not only my bandmate for 46 years — he was my true friend,” he wrote on Instagram. He was a great running buddy and exactly the guy you wanted around when road life got wearisome.”

Rip said Fred’s humour mirrored his musical voice, “dry, subtle and precise”, leaving people always wanting more, a feeling echoed by his passing.

“Yesterday, he left this world, leaving so many who loved him wanting so much more…of him,” he woed.

Recalling their first meeting in 1980 while playing in The Eve Moon Band, he said their collaboration soon expanded into New York’s version of Holly and The Italians.

Rip added that when Tom Verlaine prepared to tour Dreamtime in 1981, Fred and Jay Daugherty recommended him, sparking lasting musical and personal friendships.

He described Fred as a natural musician, never flashy but always essential, and said he fought illness bravely while continuing to plan future projects until the end.

“If you are a lover of melodic bass lines and counterpoint, you could go to school on what Fred created so effortlessly,” Rip wrote.