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Tag: Extremely Epic Art Grant for Baby Geniuses

  • Memorial service and ‘celebration of life’ for Oliver Tree to be livestreamed next month

    A celebration of life and tribute are being organized for the late singer-songwriter Oliver Tree, a figure whose unique artistic vision and eccentric spirit touched many.

    Tree passed away in a helicopter crash in Brazil on June 14th at the age of 32, an incident that tragically claimed the lives of five others. Despite the devastating circumstances of his death, the outpouring of support and remembrance for the singer-songwriter was immense, highlighting the lasting impact he had on his global community.

    In the wake of the tragedy, family members shared heartfelt tributes. Tree’s mother, Christine Begin Nickell, spoke publicly about her pride in her son and expressed gratitude to fans for their support during this difficult time. The respect extended to him spanned the music world and beyond, with figures like Post Malone dedicating a show to him, calling him a “beautiful man” and expressing deep affection.

    The community gathered online to pay their respects, demonstrating the wide reach of Tree’s influence. Among those who offered condolences were fellow artists and public figures, including Kid Cudi, KSI, Bebe Rexha, and his ex-girlfriend Melanie Martinez.

    Beyond the immediate tributes, Oliver Tree ensured that his vision for art would endure through his philanthropic efforts. In accordance with his lifetime plans, his family has announced a celebration of life and memorial service scheduled for July 25th. Due to the desire to accommodate the large number of mourners, the event will be broadcast via a public livestream.

    The ceremony is planned to take place at the UCSC Quarry Amphitheatre, an open-air venue on the University of California’s Santa Cruz campus, offering a space for the world to honor his memory. Details regarding how to access the livestream will be announced shortly.

    Crucially, Tree established Dr. Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Art Grant for Baby Geniuses in his memory. This foundation reflects Tree’s core belief that the most valuable way for artists to master their craft is through hands-on creation, rather than formal study. The foundation’s mission emphasizes funding the physical act of making art—allowing recipients to hire help and rent equipment to bring their creative projects to life, without focusing on education or personal expenses.

    This initiative ensures that creativity has a potential to flourish, with the fund intended to support creative art projects for at least fifty to one hundred years. The foundation was established using assets Tree directed to be sold, supplemented by donations, ensuring the legacy of his artistic philosophy continues long after his passing.

    Oliver Tree, whose real name was Oliver Tree Nickell, was celebrated as more than just a musician; his family described him as “a true artist in every sense of the word.” His music, which included tracks like ‘Life Goes On’ and ‘Hurt’, reflected a profound depth of feeling and a unique perspective on the human experience.

    In his final reflections, Tree shared an enduring message to his admirers: “No matter how strange you think you look, no matter how ugly you feel, you are beautiful.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the kind of vibrant, unapologetic spirit he sought to inspire in everyone who knew him.

    Credit: NME

  • Oliver Tree Memorial Service to Be Livestreamed on July 25

    The vibrant world of music has lost a unique voice with the tragic death of artist Oliver Tree, who passed away following a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on June 14, 2026. The community is gathering to honor his memory with a memorial service and celebration of life scheduled for July 25th at the UCSC Quarry Amphitheater.

    While the circumstances of his passing are heartbreaking, the focus shifts to the extraordinary life and indelible legacy of an artist who saw the world as a stage for performance art. Oliver Tree was more than a singer and songwriter; he was a relentless creative force, blending authentic self with playful absurdity to create a movement that celebrated the beautiful mess of existence.

    Born in Santa Cruz, California, Tree embodied boundless curiosity. From childhood, his drive was set, sparked by years spent racing various sports before finding his footing in the dynamic world of music and performance. He became a true global citizen, traveling to over 100 countries, connecting with diverse cultures, and recording his experiences on the road, demonstrating an insatiable desire to experience life in its full, colorful spectrum.

    Tree’s musical journey was marked by bold, genre-bending success. His debut major-label album, Ugly Is Beautiful, topped Billboard’s Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart in 2020. He further captivated audiences with global hits like “Life Goes On,” which charted on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart, and the collaboration “Miss You” with Robin Schulz. His work often featured distinct personas—from “Turbo” to “Alien Boy”—which allowed him to push boundaries and explore the depths of human expression through his art.

    At the heart of Tree’s creative vision was a powerful message of inclusion. He championed the idea that beauty exists in every form, urging the world to embrace authenticity and reject superficial judgments. His mantra resonated deeply: “No matter how strange you think you look, no matter how ugly you feel, you are beautiful.”

    Beyond his music, Oliver Tree was committed to using his platform for positive change. He established Dr. Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Art Grant for Baby Geniuses, a foundation dedicated to funding aspiring artists in music, film, installation, and performance art. His vision was clear: to encourage young creators to follow their dreams by “physically getting their hands dirty and creating things.”

    Oliver Tree’s story is one of boundless imagination and infectious laughter, leaving behind a legacy defined not just by his incredible talent, but by his unwavering belief in the potential of every person to find joy and realize their true self. He remains an enduring force, reminding us that creativity and compassion are the most powerful forms of expression.

    Credit: Billboard