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Elliott Smith “Figure 8” Mural Renovated, Honoring the Ninth Anniversary of Songwriter’s Death Los Angeles Indie Music Landmark Repainted

Photography by The Punk Rock Marthas

The iconic Los Angeles mural featured on the cover of Elliott Smith's Figure 8 album has been repainted, honoring the ninth anniversary of the songwriter's tragic death. Found on Sunset Boulevard, the mural had become an unofficial memorial when Smith took his own life on Oct. 21, 2003. Unfortunately, the wall art became undone by graffiti over the past several years.

This past weekend a local group called the Punk Rock Marthas sought to reestablish the original image, organizing a renovation. Adding new elements to the work, the mural now includes portions of Smith's lyrics as well as letters from fans. On Sunday the Punk Rock Marthas continued to celebrate the life of Smith with a benefit, providing live music, food, and memorabilia as part of a silent auction to raise money for Free Arts for Abused Children, a beneficiary organization of Smith’s estate. Smith's last interview was with Under the Radar. You can read it here. (NME)