Jay Smith, who played guitar for Maritime rocker Matt Mays, died on Wednesday morning — hours after their March 26 show at The Starlite Room in downtown Edmonton.
Here’s a message posted on Mays’ Facebook page:
“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, who was from Cape Breton, released his own self-titled album in 2011. He fronted his own band, Rock Ranger, from 1999 to 2007 — the same year he started playing with Mays.
Mays and his bandmates have two more shows — Calgary (Wednesday) and Vancouver (Thursday) — before taking a short break. They’re supposed to start a tour with The Gaslight Anthem in the U.S. on April 16.
Thanks for the music. Thanks for the laughs. RIP Jay Smith.—
(@Kabdancer) March 28, 2013
RIP Mr. Jay Smith, you were one hell of a guitarist. Will miss you greatly.—
AtlanticCanadaRocks (@ATLCanadaRocks) March 28, 2013
Tragic news about Jay Smith….. An amazing person, musician & songwriter. Jay will be missed greatly—
(@SOCANTim) March 28, 2013
So very sad to hear that Jay Smith from Matt Mays band has died. Heart goes out to family and east coast music community. #RIP—
jian ghomeshi (@jianghomeshi) March 28, 2013
We lost a brother today. A kind, talented warm-hearted soul. Jay Smith, we are gonna miss you. Our thoughts and… fb.me/27XPEoinU—
The Stanfields (@TheStanfields) March 28, 2013
Jay Smith's album is available for download from his bandcamp page.
jaysmith.bandcamp.com
#MattMays—
Keith Dodge (@butterfield888) March 28, 2013
So tragic. Jay Smith, gtrst for Matt Mays's band and father of two, died after their Edmonton show. The saddest. tinyurl.com/c5ka4r9—
Carla Gillis (@carlagillis) March 28, 2013
Oh Dear. Terribly Sad News. RIP Jay Smith. Good Guy Gone.—
Alan Doyle (@alanthomasdoyle) March 28, 2013
I met Jay Smith for the first time in November,drinking watching the sunrise, I knew I had met a great one. Shooting stars burn bright. RIP—
Halifax Happy Hour (@hfxhappyhour) March 28, 2013
This breaks my heart. My sincere condolences. RT: “@MattMays: Very sad to have to share this note from Matt: tinyurl.com/c5ka4r9”—
Joel Plaskett (@jplaskett) March 28, 2013
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