Elliott Smith's Tribute Wall

Elliott Smith's Tribute Wall blimpcaptain (Atlas Obscura User)

Those who loved the dark music of Elliott Smith already know the tragic tale of his death.

The doomed singer/songwriter, who weaved tales of depression and addiction into his melodic stories was found dead in his Echo Park home with two stab wounds to the chest. Ruled a suicide, some believe he was murdered. Devastated fans flocked to Solutions Studios, where the album cover for “Figure 8” was shot. Soon the wall was covered in messages, the street littered with candles, flowers, and empty booze bottles. Eight years later, you can read the sentiments of his fans and member this tortured artist through the eyes and art of his fans.

Know Before You Go

The wall became disfigured in 2017 by a tenant of the building who owned a bar and installed a door and large window over top of the mural. The following year, the bar has already gone out of business.

In 2022, the tribute wall was reduced further when a new restaurant "Junkyard Dog" opened inside the building. The wall currently retains it's iconic white, red, and black colors, but most of the space, icons, and many of the handwritten messages have been painted over.