Canadian Musician: Nell Smith
Canadian musician Nell Smith, known for her collaborations with US rock band The Flaming Lips, has died aged 17. Her death was confirmed by Simon Raymonde, the former bassist for the Cocteau Twins and co-founder of her record label Bella Union, on Instagram.
While he did not confirm her cause of death, The Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne said during a show in Portland, Oregon, on Sunday that she died in a car accident.
Sharing pictures of Nell, including time spent with her younger brother, with Coyne and writing songs in Canada, Raymonde wrote: “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 for the release of her first solo record in early 2025 on Bella Union, made in Brighton with Penelope Isles’ Jack and Lily Wolter.
Canadian Musician: Nell Smith Accident
“Her first release was an album of covers of Nick Cave songs recorded with fellow Bella Union artistes The Flaming Lips back in 2021 entitled, “Where The Viaduct Looms”.
“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. The Bella Union Family.”
The lead singer of The Flaming Lips, Wayne Coyne, shared an emotional tribute at their Poland concert. Holding back tears, Coyne remembered Nell and said: “We have a very sad announcement to make tonight.
“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.”
