Smiley Culture 1963 -2011

Whether you knew him personally or remembered his music from the eighties – everyone was shocked by the untimely death of Smiley Culture on Tuesday 15^th March.  When I heard Smiley was dead the lyrics to Cockney Translation popped into my head – the song still makes me smile.

As news of his death spread across social networking sights Facebook and Twitter – it’s the details surrounding his death, or lack thereof, that has caused concern. 

Smiley Culture’s home was raided by police on the morning on Tuesday 15^th March, and a few hours later he was pronounced dead at the scene, with initial reports alleging that he had harmed himself.  A post mortem has since revealed that a single stab wound through the heart was the cause of his death.

The family is still waiting for the facts of what happened to be explained to them and their questions to be answered, and the delay of this information is fueling speculation of foul play.  A press conference was held on the 17^th March by the family, and press from the main media outlets were missing, which hasn’t gone unnoticed.  It begs the question, had this of happened to someone without Smiley’s public profile would we even be made aware of it?

The family and the wider community deserve to know what happened.  They are not asking for much, just what we all deserve as a standard – Truth and Justice.

A public meeting is scheduled to be held on Thursday 24^th March 2011, 7pm – 8.30pm at Lambeth Town Hall.

Join the Facebook Page www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=118725288203991&_rdr

Watch the hour long press conference here http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/13375130