The Elliott Smith Tribute Wall in Los Angeles
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How amazing it was to discover Elliott Smith and be so deeply touched by him only to move mere blocks from the tribute wall set up for him on Sunset Boulevard.
The wall keeps getting defaced by people who probably have no idea what the point of it is. A MySpace page has been created to bring some level of awareness to the point of the wall. The wall gets reviewed on sites like Yelp! and noted in articles form time to time. It's an LA indie rock landmark.
For those who are unaware, Elliott Smith was a singer/songwriter who was either murdered or committed suicide in his home on October 21, 2003 in Los Angeles's Echo Park neighborhood. Elliott was an amazing (and oddly unknown) talent, whose music and words resonate deeply with people and will for years.
I stop by the wall frequently and pass it numerous times a week. Last week, my obsession with Elliott reached new heights as I rode my bike up a few Echo Park hills to see the house where he died. I feel like a mix of loser/jerk for doing this, but the location of the house has already been published in several places online... and frankly, those who might criticize my actions probably have never felt the sort of connection I do with Elliott's music and in turn, the man himself. Plus, I don't think his case should just be left open. I really don't think he killed himself. Anyhow, here are a few photos I took on my recent trip.
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Oh wow, the wall. I keep meaning to go to LA so I can see it. I remember it was in one of the music videos on youtube. There was a time I listened to nothing but Elliott Smith and occasionally Nick Drake and Nyles Lannon. Lately though, Strung out again and Between the bars are the only songs I return to constantly.
I feel the same way about Elliott, and have wondered why my obsession and connection with him is so real, him and his music have me so connected. It's likeim in love or have a best friend with someone who is no longer here. his spirit is with me...don't feel left alone. i am with you on this.
I am elliott reincarnated. I am a singer songwriter and live in portland oregon. Give it a couple years. You will know.
-roses-
to: Born oct 21st 1986/roses
how can you be his reincarnate if he died years after you were born...if possible it would be more like possession.
lolz. and if possible that would be amazing because someone like elliott just shouldn't be lost.
i'm with you m'friends; Elliott is sorely missed, i rarely get through a day without listening to at least one of his songs or trying my damndest to play one of them on my knackered old twanger... (that means guitar by the way!) I live in hope of a tribute pilgramage to the city of angels so that i can leave a candle for him. To all you fellow listeners out there, i can heartily recommend picking up Autumn De Wilde's photobook, it comes with an excellent live CD, and although the uninitiated will think you're crazy, it's nice to have a photo record for when you want to sit down to one of those heavily introverted listens... -- Bottle up and Explode Xo -
who lives there now
I've been such a fan of Elliott's for years, and I'd do anything to come see the wall. His music really hit me years ago in Iraq.
If I flew to L.A., would anyone be able to take me there?
bllewis1@memphis.edu
Is the wall still there? I'm hoping to go visit it later this month.
Yes, it is. Last time I was by it--I no longer live just down the street from it--it was in bad shape. Lots of graffiti. Still there though.
WHOEVER IT IS POSSIBLE TO COME OUT NOV 7TH 2010, I'M TRYING TO GET PEOPLE TOGETHER TO RESTORE ELLIOTT'S WALL. EMAIL ME FOR DETAILS. lostkid4420@yahoo.com
I logged on too late to join in the restoration efforts.....if that is still in the works please let me know. I would love to help. Like everyone else on here I am a HUGE fan and would do anything possible to pay respects. I recently went to Seattle and visited Kurt's old house....the park right next to it still have tribute benches with commentary from fans. Although I am a much bigger Smith fan I find it disturbing that Cobain's memory was left in tact while ignorant wanna-be gangsters have to deface Smith's wall. If I ever caught one of those bastards in the act I would kill em. Please let me know if there is work to be done and we can band together to salvage it as much as possible.
I find your passion about Elliott very deep and natural, nothing to laugh about! That wall is like the Abbey Road street, a place (a sanctuary) related to a classic album.
I uploaded some indie songs in this site
www.theneverendingalbum.bandcamp.com , if you feel like checking them out.
i was there today, i had to see the house
Elliott's music got this effect on people, music so deep and full of meanness. It's very sad when someone with such a talent leave this world so tragically.
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Cris A Level 2 Commenter 3 years ago
Composed
I don't think there's anything funny or weird with your passion for Elliott Smith. Great artists and musicians have inspired me in ways that a non-fan or follower might totally think insane outright. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I can relate.