The passing of burgeoning musician Nell Smith has sent shock waves across the music industry and the public. Along with her grieving parents, famous artists have spoken out about her demise.
At just 17 years old, musical star Nell Smith passed away in British Columbia on Saturday night, October 5. She was on the brink of releasing her first solo record, made in Brighton, early next year (2025) via the independent record label Bella Union, and had already established a track record of success before she died.
Taking to Instagram to express his shock and devastation over the late artist’s sudden death, Bella Union co-owner and record producer Simon Raymonde posted pictures of Nell and penned a statement.
The photos Simon shared were courtesy of Nell’s family and fellow famous musician Warren Ellis. One image showed a touching familial moment shared between Nell and her brother, Ike Smith.
Another was a throwback photo of the late star standing in front of a fire on the beach with a contemplative look on her face and a guitar strapped around her shoulder. According to Simon, this photo was taken when Nell wrote one of her first songs in Tofino on Vancouver Island.
A different photo depicted Nell with a smile on her face as she stood next to The Flaming Lips’ lead vocalist Wayne Coyne, who wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
The fourth image in the carousel showed Nell, who sported a Bella Union beanie on her head and a big smile, unwrapping her blue vinyl record “Where The Viaduct Looms” for the first time.
Simon’s last photo, which is in black and white, displayed an endearing moment between Nell and Warren. While the late teen wrapped her arms around the composer, Warren placed one of his arms around Nell and held up what appeared to be her mixtape in his other hand.
“While we all try and come to terms with the awful news, and out of respect to Nell’s grieving family, we are unable to make any further comments at this time,” concluded Simon in his caption, which also highlighted some of Nell’s incredible accomplishments as a musician.
Like Simon, Nell’s family shared their own post about her death on Instagram. They posted a carousel of images showing heartwarming memories of the young talent who collaborated on the album “Where The Viaduct Looms” with The Flaming Lips in 2021, which featured covers of Nick Cave songs.
Alongside the images, the Smith family stated, “It pains us so much to say that our feisty, talented, unique, beautiful daughter was cruelly taken from us on Saturday night. We are reeling from the news and don’t know what to do or say.”
“She had so much more to experience and to give this world but we are grateful that she got to experience so very much in her 17 years. She has left an indelible mark on the word [sic] and an unfillable chasm in our hearts,” divulged Nell’s relatives.
They ended their message by urging the public to cherish and hold on tightly to their kids and asked people for space as they attempt to reconcile with the tragedy. “We will shout when we need you. Jude, Rachel, Jed and Ike x,” read the end of their statement.
Producer Howard Redekopp, who had the opportunity to record Nell’s vocals for her yet-to-be-released album, shared a dedication to her on his own social media account.
Alongside photos of the duo posing together, Howard expressed, “I will cherish the memories of our brief, deep, fun time together. The cliches people often cite when someone dies fit all too universally but feel wrong to say because they are common, and there is nothing common about the uniquely devastating loss of a young individual.”
He went on to shower the talented performer with praise, calling Nell “a rare and extraordinary gift to this world.”
Howard also mentioned how although he looks forward to witnessing Nell’s musical influence live on beyond her death, he is heartbroken over the fact that she won’t get to see this play out. “Love and peace to the Smith family and all of Nell’s dear friends,” ended the record producer.
In a similar fashion, the son of music icon Willie Nelson posted his own tribute on his Instagram page. Artist Micah Nelson shared an array of images of him rocking out on his guitar with Nell standing beside him.
“RIP @nellsmithmusic 💔 A total tragedy. My heart goes out to Nell’s family. She was such a bright light full of talent and sweetness and eyes wide at all the possibilities of life…. taken [sic] from us far too soon,” began Micah.
Continuing, he penned, “Here’s to healing for Nell’s whole circle. It’s not something you get over – it’s something you get through. Love and only love 🌀🙏💚.”