A tragic music prodigy has died at age 17 as tributes flood in.
Nell Smith sadly died over the weekend and was best known for collaborating with The Flaming Lips. The talented Canadian teen was due to release her debut album next year.
The music star’s death was confirmed at the weekend by Cocteau Twins’ Simon Raymonde. According to the Mirror, his label had signed Nell, and she was working to produce and release her debut album in early 2025.
Raymonde wrote on social media: “We are all shocked and devastated to hear of the sudden and tragic passing of our artist and dear friend, Nell Smith, over the weekend in British Columbia.
“Nell was just 17 and was preparing to release her first solo record in early 2025 on Bella Union, made in Brighton with Penelope Isles’ Jack and Lily Wolter.”
In a moving tribute, Nell’s family also confirmed her death with a devastating statement that read: “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 to 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 world and an unfillable chasm in our hearts. Hold your kids extra tight tonight and for now please leave us to work through things. We will shout when we need you.”
The Flaming Lips singer Wayne Coyne also paid tribute to Nell during a powerful moment at their show in Poland on Monday. The singer fought back tears as he gushed over the talented teenager who was taken too soon.
“We have a very sad announcement to make tonight,” he started. “We have a Canadian friend, her name is Nell. We recorded an amazing album with her three years ago, an album full of songs by Nick Cave.
“We have some sad messages today – she was killed in a car accident last night (October 6). We are reminded once again of the power of music and how encouraging it can be to be around people that you love.”
Nell shot to notoriety at the tender age of 14 when she recorded an album of Nick Cave covers – which immediately attracted attention from industry leaders. The ambitious teenager sent the self-made album, Where The Viaduct Looms, to The Flaming Lips, who appeared on a couple of songs.
Nell’s dreams came true when her first album was released in November 2021 – and she was only 14-years-old. After the success of her first music venture, Nell had been working on her debut album, which was due to be released “in early 2025”. It is unclear whether it will be still be released following her tragic passing.
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