Matt Mays guitarist dies on tour
Posted Mar 28, 2013 07:17:54 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Halifax-based guitarist and singer/songwriter Jay Smith has died.
Smith is best known for his work with Matt Mays’ band.
The band confirmed Smith’s death on Matt Mays’ Facebook page late Wednesday night, saying they are devastated.
“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 of 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.”
The post is signed “Matt, Serge, Damien, Adam and Matt.”
It’s not clear what the cause of death was.
The band was scheduled to begin a U.S. tour with Gaslight Anthem in mid-April.
Smith, who was originally from Cape Breton, fronted his own band Rock Ranger for nearly a decade before joining Mays’ backing band El Torpedo in 2007.
Smith was also an East Coast Music Award winner for co-writing the Gordie Sampson song “We Are Young And So Is The Night.”
Condolences have been pouring in on social media, including a Facebook post from The Stanfields saying “We lost a brother today. A kind, talented warm-hearted soul. Jay Smith, we are gonna miss you.”
There’s no word on funeral arrangements.
