Elliot Smith took his own life in 2003, and shortly after, the mural he posed in front of for the cover of his 2000 album Figure 8 became a makeshift memorial for greiving fans. Notes, poems and memories filled the white space on the electronics store wall, which has become one of the many musical landmarks in Los Angeles.
Unfortunately, the legendary wall had become victim to tagging, covering the wall with obnoxious bubble lettering. This sort of attack ended up being a blessing in disguise, however, as the outrage lead to plans for not only restoring the mural, but turning it into a full-fledged memorial. Gone are the messages of love that previously filled the wall, but they will surely return alongside the expansion plans for an electronic monument that will draw even more attention to Smith's work, as well as that of his greatest influences.
Unfortunately, the legendary wall had become victim to tagging, covering the wall with obnoxious bubble lettering. This sort of attack ended up being a blessing in disguise, however, as the outrage lead to plans for not only restoring the mural, but turning it into a full-fledged memorial. Gone are the messages of love that previously filled the wall, but they will surely return alongside the expansion plans for an electronic monument that will draw even more attention to Smith's work, as well as that of his greatest influences.
