The world of music has been struck by tragedy with the sudden death of Nell Smith, a 17-year-old musical prodigy whose remarkable talent led her to a unique collaboration with the legendary band, The Flaming Lips. Nell’s death was confirmed by Simon Raymonde, the head of Bella Union, the record label under which she was set to release her debut solo album in 2025. The teenage musician’s passing has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of her family, friends, and fans, and has shocked the music community globally.
Nell Smith, born in the United Kingdom but raised in Canada, was a rising star who had already garnered significant attention in the music world, both for her impressive guitar skills and her distinctively ethereal voice. Her collaboration with The Flaming Lips on the 2021 album Where the Viaduct Looms, a collection of Nick Cave covers, was a testament to her prodigious talent and her ability to connect with established artists in the industry at such a young age.
News of her tragic passing, which reportedly occurred in a car accident over the weekend in British Columbia, was first made public by Wayne Coyne, frontman of The Flaming Lips, during a concert in Portland, Oregon. Although no official cause of death has been confirmed beyond the accident, Coyne’s emotional tribute on stage captured the shock and grief felt by those closest to Nell. “We are reminded once more of the power of music and how motivating it can be to be around people that you love,” Coyne said to the audience before performing the song “Suddenly Everything Has Changed,” a moment that encapsulated the bittersweet and fragile nature of life, art, and loss.
Simon Raymonde, the bassist/keyboardist for the legendary Cocteau Twins and the head of Bella Union, also confirmed Nell’s passing in a heartfelt Instagram post, writing, “We are all shocked and devastated to learn 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.”
For those familiar with Nell’s musical journey, her death feels like the abrupt end of a promising and deeply inspiring chapter that had just begun to unfold. What made Nell’s story so special was not just her immense talent, but the deeply serendipitous way in which she first came into contact with The Flaming Lips—a connection that would ultimately define the early years of her career.
Nell’s journey to musical prominence began at a Flaming Lips concert in Canada when she was only 12 years old. On that day, dressed in a parrot costume, Nell caught the attention of Wayne Coyne, who was performing on stage. Her unique presence and unabashed love for the band struck Coyne, and the two formed an unusual but enduring connection. Over the years, Coyne maintained contact with Nell’s family, and as Nell developed her musical abilities, including her songwriting and guitar playing, their relationship evolved into a collaborative partnership.
The collaboration that would come to define Nell’s early career took shape during the COVID-19 pandemic. Coyne and the band, recognizing Nell’s extraordinary potential, suggested an ambitious project: recording a Nick Cave cover album with Nell at the forefront. The album, titled Where the Viaduct Looms, featured Nell’s hauntingly beautiful vocals and guitar work, with The Flaming Lips providing the backing instrumentation. What began as an experimental virtual project soon turned into a critically acclaimed release, showcasing Nell’s raw talent and proving that she was much more than just a fan of the band—she was a creative force in her own right.
At the time of the album’s release in November 2021, Nell was only 14 years old, but her maturity as an artist was already evident. Her ability to take on the complex, emotionally intense work of Nick Cave and reinterpret it in her own way impressed both critics and fans alike. The collaboration was lauded not just for its musical innovation, but for the sheer boldness of a teenager taking on such an iconic figure’s work alongside one of the most avant-garde rock bands of the modern era.
Nell’s partnership with The Flaming Lips opened up numerous opportunities for her, but it was also a deeply personal experience. The project allowed her to explore new creative depths, guided by seasoned artists who recognized her unique voice and potential. For Nell, music wasn’t just a career path—it was a lifelong passion, something that she pursued with sincerity and joy, even as she navigated the challenges of adolescence.
Following the success of Where the Viaduct Looms, Nell continued to work on her own music. Her debut solo album, set to be released by Bella Union in early 2025, was highly anticipated by both fans and industry insiders. The album, recorded in Brighton with the help of Jack and Lily Wolter of Penelope Isles, was expected to be a showcase of Nell’s growth as an artist, combining her ethereal, dreamlike sound with more personal and introspective lyrics.
As news of Nell’s death spread, tributes poured in from across the music world. Artists, fans, and collaborators alike expressed their grief and disbelief, paying homage to a young talent whose potential seemed limitless. Social media became flooded with messages of condolences, with many sharing memories of Nell’s live performances, her infectious passion for music, and her unwavering dedication to her craft.
“We have lost an incredible soul,” wrote one fan on Twitter. “Nell Smith wasn’t just talented—she was pure magic. Her voice, her presence, her artistry—it all spoke to something deep and real. This is a heartbreaking loss.”
Bella Union also released a statement mourning Nell’s death and paying tribute to her extraordinary talent. “Nell Smith was a rare and beautiful spirit, someone whose love for music was palpable in everything she did. She had an incredible future ahead of her, and we are devastated that she is no longer with us. Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time.”
For those who knew her personally, Nell’s death is an incomprehensible loss. Her friends describe her as a kind, humble, and fiercely creative individual, someone who was always willing to help others and who never let her success change who she was at her core. Despite her growing fame, Nell remained grounded, continuing to pursue her education and maintain close relationships with her family and friends.
Her parents, who had been a constant source of support throughout her musical journey, were understandably devastated by her passing. In a brief statement, they thanked Nell’s fans and collaborators for their support, but asked for privacy as they grieve the loss of their daughter. Plans for Nell’s funeral and memorial service have yet to be announced, but her family has indicated that more information will be shared when the time is right.
As the world mourns the loss of Nell Smith, it’s clear that her impact on music—and on the lives of those who knew her—will not be forgotten. Though her life was tragically cut short, Nell’s legacy will live on through her recordings, her collaborations, and the inspiration she provided to countless young artists who saw in her a reflection of their own dreams.
In the words of Wayne Coyne, spoken during his emotional tribute to Nell, “We’re all just visitors here for a brief moment. Music reminds us of that, but it also gives us something eternal—something to hold onto even when everything else fades away.”
For Nell Smith, music was that eternal force, and through her art, her spirit will continue to resonate with listeners for years to come.
