The music world is reeling from the tragic passing of rising star Nell Smith, who died at just 17 in British Columbia on the night of October 5, 2024. Smith was on the verge of releasing her first solo album, scheduled for early 2025, under the independent label Bella Union. Her death has left a deep void not only for her family but also for fans and fellow musicians, many of whom have taken to social media to express their shock and grief.
Nell had already built an impressive resume, collaborating with renowned artists and gaining recognition for her talents. Bella Union co-owner Simon Raymonde, who was instrumental in her musical journey, shared his sorrow on Instagram, posting a series of photos that captured moments of her life. One of these photos showed Nell on a beach in Vancouver Island, guitar in hand, a picture that Simon said was taken when she wrote one of her first songs. Another image featured Nell standing next to Wayne Coyne, lead singer of The Flaming Lips, a musician with whom she had a close connection.
In 2021, Nell collaborated with The Flaming Lips on the album Where The Viaduct Looms, a collection of Nick Cave covers that showcased her growing musical prowess. In one of the images shared by Raymonde, she proudly displayed a blue vinyl copy of the album, smiling with excitement at seeing her work in physical form. Raymonde, in his tribute, praised her accomplishments and acknowledged the deep pain felt by her family.
Nell’s family, equally devastated by her sudden loss, also posted a heartfelt message on Instagram. Accompanied by a collection of personal photos, they expressed their anguish at losing their “feisty, talented, unique, beautiful daughter.” They wrote, “She had so much more to experience and to give this world.” The family also asked for privacy as they grieve, emphasizing the enormity of the loss and the difficulty they face in coming to terms with it.
Tributes have poured in from other notable figures in the music industry as well. Producer Howard Redekopp, who recorded Nell’s vocals for her upcoming album, shared his own emotional tribute, calling her “a rare and extraordinary gift to this world.” He noted the heartbreaking reality that while her music will live on, Nell will not be here to witness the impact of her legacy. Musician Micah Nelson, son of Willie Nelson, posted photos of himself jamming with Nell and expressed his sorrow, calling her a “bright light” who was “taken from us far too soon.”
Fans have also responded to the news with an outpouring of grief. At a Flaming Lips concert in Vancouver, Wayne Coyne, visibly emotional, shared the tragic news of Nell’s death with the audience, revealing that she had died in a car accident. The crowd responded with shouts of love and support, and Coyne emphasized the healing power of music as the band played on in her memory.
Born in Leeds, UK, in 2007, Nell grew up surrounded by music. She attended festivals with her family from a young age and developed a deep love for live performances. After moving to Canada, her passion for music only grew, and by age 11, she was performing and writing her own songs. Her dedication to her craft and her collaborations with respected artists had positioned her as a rising star in the industry.
Nell’s death is an incalculable loss to those who knew her and to the wider music community. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic event. Rest in peace, Nell.