The renowned punk poet and musician, Patti Smith, aged 78, unexpectedly fell on stage while performing in São Paulo, Brazil, on January 29, 2025. Smith had been battling a severe migraine for several days before the incident.
Smith was participating in a collaborative project with the Berlin-based “Soundwalk Collective” at the time of the incident. The event took place at the Cultura Artística Theater, a historic venue in São Paulo.
Smith was about 30 minutes into her performance and was reading a piece on the climate crisis when she experienced a sudden spell of dizziness. She fell on the stage, knocking over her microphone and music stand, and hit her head. Eyewitnesses in the front rows described the incident as unusual, but not overly alarming, as Smith managed to recover and stand up unaided after a few minutes.
Shortly after the incident, medical personnel rushed to assist Smith and subsequently wheeled her off the stage. In a statement, the Soundwalk Collective mentioned that Smith had intended to continue the performance, but medical advice suggested otherwise. Smith briefly returned on stage to apologize to the audience and explain her sudden illness.
The day after the incident, Smith posted on Instagram, addressing the situation. She downplayed the severity of the incident and confirmed she had received adequate medical care. Smith also assured her followers that she was well and requested that the event not overshadow more pressing global issues.
Smith has had previous health-related incidents during performances. In December 2023, she was hospitalized briefly in Bologna, Italy, due to an abrupt illness that resulted in a concert cancellation. She was released shortly after observation, having recovered satisfactorily.
In 2016, Smith attracted media attention when she seemed to forget the lyrics to Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A Gonna Fall” during his Nobel Literature Prize ceremony in Stockholm. Despite these incidents, her distinguished career includes receiving a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 2021.
Smith’s eclectic career spans music, literature, and visual arts. Her 1975 debut album, “Horses,” holds a significant place in punk rock history, and her memoir “Just Kids” won the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 2010. In addition to her musical and literary contributions, Smith was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 and received the title of Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French Ministry of Culture in 2005.
The upcoming tribute concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall in March 2025 will honor Smith’s illustrious career and the 50th anniversary of “Horses.” The event will feature performances by acclaimed artists such as Michael Stipe, Kim Gordon, and Chrissie Hynde, all of whom have been influenced by Smith’s work.
Despite a lifelong bronchial condition that forced her to stay indoors during the pandemic, Smith continues to maintain an active performance schedule. The “Soundwalk Collective” confirmed that she is currently under the care of top medical professionals and expressed appreciation for fans’ understanding and support.
