Guitarist Jay Smith, who played in Matt Mays’s backing band, El Torpedo, was found dead in an Edmonton hotel room on March 27. The reason for death has not yet been made public. According to a report by CBC Cape Breton, “Foul play is not suspected.” Last night, Mays posted a heartfelt note on Facebook:
Folks,
Our guitar player and dear friend Jay Smith passed away this morning in Edmonton. As you can all imagine, we are completely devastated. However, in our heart of hearts we know that we need to Play on. Jay's family as well as the band know he would have wanted it that way. All the proceeds from the remaining shows will be put into a trust for his two beautiful children. Jay's wit, charm, and unparalleled love of music will never be forgotten.
He was our brother and he will live in our hearts and song forever.
Matt, Serge, Damien, Adam and Matt
Smith first performed with his own band, Rock Ranger, which released two albums before he joined Mays's band, and playing on the Juno-nominated album, Terminal Romance. In 2009 Smith won an East Coast Music Award SOCAN Songwriter of the Year for co-writing (with Gordie Sampson) the song "We Are Young and so is the Night.”
Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
PLAYListen to Jay Smith's "Hurt Likes Hell."
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