Nell Smith, a talented young Canadian singer-songwriter who made headlines with her collaboration with The Flaming Lips, has tragically passed away at the age of 17. Her family confirmed her death on October 5 through an emotional statement on Instagram, expressing their sorrow over the loss of their “feisty, talented, unique, beautiful daughter” who was taken from them too soon.
“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 this world… We are grateful that she got to experience so very much in her 17 years,” the family stated, urging others to cherish their loved ones.
The news of her passing was shared during a Flaming Lips concert on October 6, where frontman Wayne Coyne informed the audience that Nell died in a car accident. He reflected on their collaborative work and the deep connection they shared, saying, “We recorded an amazing album with her three years ago… She was killed in a car accident last night.”
Nell was in the process of readying her debut solo album, scheduled for release in 2025, which had already received backing from a successful Kickstarter campaign. Simon Raymonde, head of her label Bella Union, expressed his shock, stating that the music community is heartbroken over the sudden and tragic loss of a dear friend.
Nell’s relationship with The Flaming Lips began in 2018 when she attended one of their concerts dressed as a parrot, catching Coyne’s attention. They maintained a mentorship and friendship, which blossomed during the pandemic when they collaborated on an album of Nick Cave covers titled “Where the Viaduct Looms,” released in 2021.
Nick Cave himself praised her talent, describing her rendition of “Girl in Amber” as stunning, highlighting her unique interpretation and emotional depth.
While Nell’s impact on the music scene was significant, her passing is compounded by another tragedy within The Flaming Lips family. The band’s instrumentalist, Steven Drozd, is facing the distressing situation of his daughter, Charlotte “Bowie” Drozd, who has been reported missing since Saturday morning. The family has called on the community for any information regarding her whereabouts as the search continues.