Patti Smith, the renowned 78-year-old punk poet and musician, unexpectedly collapsed during a performance at São Paulo, Brazil’s historic Cultura Artística Theater on January 29, 2025. Smith had been battling a severe migraine for many days leading up to the incident.
Smith was participating in a joint project with the Berlin-based avant-garde sound art group, the “Soundwalk Collective,” when she collapsed. The incident transpired roughly 30 minutes into her performance, as she was presenting a piece focusing on the climate crisis.
After experiencing a bout of dizziness, Smith fell, hitting her head on the stage and knocking over her microphone and music stand. According to front-row spectators, the episode was unexpected and surreal. Nevertheless, Smith managed to regain her footing after a few moments.
Medical personnel quickly attended to Smith, escorting her off the stage in a wheelchair. The Soundwalk Collective said that Smith wished to continue her performance, but doctors recommended that she conclude the show prematurely. Smith briefly returned to the stage to apologize to her audience, explaining that she was unwell and needed to heed medical counsel.
The next day, Smith addressed the incident on Instagram, describing it as “an explainable incident” and refuting what she termed as “grossly exaggerated” media reports. She confirmed that she had received appropriate medical care and was in good health. Smith asked for the incident not to be overly sensationalized, considering the world’s current challenges.
This was not Smith’s first health-related interruption during a performance. In December 2023, she was briefly hospitalized in Bologna, Italy, due to a sudden illness that led to a concert cancellation. After a short observation period, she was discharged and declared to be in good health.
In 2016, Smith made news when she apologized for seemingly forgetting the lyrics to Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A Gonna Fall” at his Nobel Literature Prize ceremony in Stockholm. Despite these incidents, Smith’s career has been marked by significant achievements, including induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2021.
Smith’s illustrious career spans music, literature, and visual arts. Her 1975 debut album, “Horses,” is regarded as a milestone in punk rock, melding poetic lyrics with raw music. In addition to her musical pursuits, Smith is an acclaimed author. Her memoir, “Just Kids,” won the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 2010, shedding light on her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.
In recognition of her artistic contributions, Smith was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. She has also received international honors, including the title of Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French Ministry of Culture in 2005. Her impact is felt across the visual arts and activism, making her a leading figure in contemporary culture.
Looking forward, a tribute concert marking the 50th anniversary of “Horses” is planned for March 2025 at New York’s Carnegie Hall. The lineup features prominent musicians like Michael Stipe, Kim Gordon, and Chrissie Hynde, all of whom have been influenced by Smith’s work.
Despite a life-long bronchial condition that kept her indoors during the pandemic, Smith has maintained an active performance schedule. She continues to create new work in her 70s, showcasing her resilience. The “Soundwalk Collective” confirmed she is currently under the care of “the best doctors” and expressed appreciation for fans’ patience and understanding.
