The Nova Scotia music community is grieving the loss of one of its shining stars.
Cape Breton native Jay Smith was on tour with Halifax rocker Matt Mays in Edmonton when he died suddenly in his hotel room on Wednesday.
As the initial shock of his passing settles in, friends of the 34-year-old guitarist are coming together to help his family.
“I’m not accustomed to the idea of people passing in my life, especially when they appear to be in their prime,” says Sean MacGillivray, Smith’s friend and former bandmate.
The shock is also sinking in for Scott Long, the executive director of Music Nova Scotia, who got to know Smith through the industry.
“He’s going to be missed so much by his family and children and everyone in the music community in the province is in mourning today,” he says.
Smith used to play at The Carleton Music Bar and Grill in Halifax. Bar owner and friend Mike Campbell says the establishment feels a little emptier today.
“All of us in the music community are trying to come to grips with the fact that Jay’s gone, and gone way before he should have been.”
Friends and fans have filled Twitter feeds and Facebook pages with condolence messages, sharing fond memories of the musician and sending love to his family.
The following message was posted on Matt Mays’ Facebook page Wednesday night:
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.
A benefit is also in the works to help Smith’s family and two young children.
“Everybody, it hit them like a ton of bricks,” says Campbell. “We knew Jay was a troubled soul, but we had no idea this was on the horizon. He’s touched the lives of everyone here in the music community.”
Police haven’t released a cause of death. For now, Smith’s friends say they remembering the good times they shared.
“That’s one thing I really remember about Jay is his sense of humour, his way with words, quick with a smile, quick with a joke,” says MacGillivray. “Not just a talent, a ferocious talent. Not a player, but a performer.”
According to Mays’ Facebook page, all proceeds from the band's remaining shows will be placed in a trust fund for Smith's two children. Donations can also be made through the Matt Mays website.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Felicia Yap
