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One of Indie Rock’s Most Groundbreaking Artists Has an Asteroid Named After Him Now

More than two decades after his death, indie rock pioneer Elliott Smith is being honored with an asteroid named after him.

By Stephen Andrew Galiher

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Elliott Smith was one of the most influential and groundbreaking rock artists of all time. What better way to honor the fallen genius than to name an asteroid after him?

Edinburgh-based independent filmmaker Orlando Campopiano championed the move, per Stereogum. He got the idea for the tribute one night while looking at the stars and listening to Smith’s song “Shooting Star” from his posthumous album From a Basement on the Hill. Serendipitously, the song ends with Smith singing, “You’ll love me sad, shooting star.”

Following the spark of inspiration, Campopiano then reached out to Smith’s estate. Campopiano then submitted a proposal........

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