The death of young musician Nell Smith has left a deep impact on both the music world and the public. At just 17, Nell passed away on Saturday night, October 5, in British Columbia. Along with her family, many well-known musicians have expressed their sadness and shock over her sudden death.
Nell was about to release her first solo album next year. The album, which she recorded in Brighton, was going to be released by Bella Union, an independent record label. Despite her young age, she had already achieved a lot in her music career. Her passing happened just as her career was set to soar.
Simon Raymonde, co-owner of Bella Union and the producer of Nell’s upcoming album, shared his grief on Instagram. He posted photos of Nell, along with a heartfelt message. The photos were given to him by Nell’s family and musician Warren Ellis. One of the images showed Nell and her brother, Ike, in a tender family moment. Another picture showed Nell standing on a beach, deep in thought, with her guitar. Simon mentioned this was taken when she wrote one of her first songs on Vancouver Island.
There were also photos of Nell with The Flaming Lips’ lead singer, Wayne Coyne, who she had collaborated with on a project in 2021. Another image captured the moment Nell saw her blue vinyl record “Where The Viaduct Looms” for the first time, her smile showing how proud she was of her work.
Simon’s last photo showed Nell and Warren Ellis sharing a close moment, with Nell wrapping her arms around the musician. Warren held what looked like Nell’s mixtape, a symbol of her early passion for music.
In his post, Simon expressed that, out of respect for Nell’s family, he couldn’t share more details at the time. He spoke about her talent and the incredible things she had already accomplished as a young artist.
Nell’s family also shared their sadness on Instagram. They posted a series of photos, remembering special moments they had shared with Nell. Alongside the photos, they wrote a heartfelt message: “Our feisty, talented, unique, beautiful daughter was taken from us too soon. We are heartbroken and don’t know what to do or say.” They added that while Nell had so much more to give to the world, they were thankful for all she had experienced in her 17 years. Her family asked for privacy as they dealt with the tragedy, signing off with their names: Jude, Rachel, Jed, and Ike.
Music producer Howard Redekopp, who had worked with Nell on her upcoming album, also shared a tribute on social media. Posting photos of the two of them, Howard wrote about how much he valued the time they spent together, even though it was brief. He praised Nell as a rare and extraordinary talent, and shared how heartbroken he was that she wouldn’t be able to see the lasting influence her music would have. He ended his post by sending love to Nell’s family and friends.
Musician Micah Nelson, son of the legendary Willie Nelson, also paid tribute to Nell on Instagram. He shared images of the two of them playing music together and wrote about the tragedy of her passing. He described Nell as a bright and talented person, full of promise, and shared his sympathy with her family.
Fans have also reacted strongly to the news of Nell’s passing. One fan, posting on Threads, shared a photo from a recent Flaming Lips concert in Portland where the band’s lead singer Wayne Coyne had announced her death. The fan mentioned that Nell had died in a car accident.
A video clip from the concert showed Wayne Coyne breaking the sad news to the audience. He spoke emotionally about his relationship with Nell and their work together on the album “Where The Viaduct Looms.” Wayne struggled to hold back tears as he told the crowd that Nell had died the night before. The audience responded with cheers of love and support, as Wayne reflected on the importance of music and the people we love.
Nell’s connection with The Flaming Lips began in 2018 when she attended one of their concerts. She managed to get a letter to the band on their tour bus, which caught Wayne’s attention. From there, he stayed in contact with Nell’s parents as she began learning to play guitar. By the time she was 11, Nell was performing live, writing her own music, and playing alongside other well-known artists.
Rest in peace, Nell. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved her during this difficult time.
After Treat Williams’ untimely departure, Catherine Zeta-Jones and John Travolta lead heartfelt tributes to him
Actor Address Williams tragically passed away after a horrific motorcycle accident, and numerous celebs sent their condolences to his family via social media.
The 71-year-old calendar man passed away as a consequence of the party, according to a statement released by his agent Barry McPherson on Monday, June 13.
John Travolta, who reminisced their Broadway adventures in the musicals Grease and More Than Here, was among the first to pay their respects to the late actor.
He recalls, “Treat Williams and I started together in NYC by appearing in two Broadway productions, More than Below and Grease.”
“I’m really sorry, treat. You and your family are on my mind. You’ll be missed by us. Greetings, John.
The Phantom, a 1996 movie starring Williams and Catherine Zeta-Jones, was tweeted with the simple message “R.I.P. Dearest Handle Williams.” Zeta-Jones shared a still from the movie.
Kim Cattrall, an actress and mother of two who costarred with the late actor in the 1999 television movie 36 Hours to Die, tweeted, “I’m in shock!”
“Farewell, Pricey Ensure. My sympathies go out to Pam, Gille, Ellie, and the family. a fantastic actor and friend.
“Sad information, relax in peace, brother,” Sharon Stone tweeted beside a screenshot of a news article claiming his death.
Mark Hamill shared a picture of them from the established with the caption, “Just got the terrible news that the globe has missing @Rtreatwilliams.” Mark Hamill was an uncredited storm base warrior with him in The Empire Strikes Back (1980). Such a wonderful individual, such a skilled actor, and such a cherished close friend. It breaks my heart. #RIP_Pal.”
“The numerous instances we worked collectively was generally remarkable and I was usually enthusiastic for the next time,” stated Emily VanCamp, the actress who portrayed Williams’ co-star in the film Everwood, with a picture of the actor in his youth. I’m offering my best wishes to your family, Deal with. Go get it, my dear friend.
“Treat and I spent months filming As soon as On a Time in America in Rome,” said James Woods, his co-star in the epic criminal offense drama from 1984.
“A long shoot can make traveling very lonely, but his constant sense of humor and amazing sense of humor have been invaluable. I’m saddened by his passing because he was someone I truly appreciated. #TreatWilliams, Godspeed.
Billy Baldwin penned a lengthy tribute to the celebrity in which he extolled his qualities as a clever, skillful, charming, witty, successful, attractive, and kind person. “Heart of gold.”
“A terrible loss,” he continued. He fought tirelessly to improve the climate and advance social fairness. We won’t get to see you. Manage your leisure time peacefully.
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