Patti Smith: breakdown when performing in Brazil

The American punk rock icon Patti Smith (78) unexpectedly ended an appearance in São Paulo. As reported, the musician suddenly collapsed on January 29 during a lecture on climate change after 30 minutes in front of the audience.

Later, the poet, known as the “Godmother of Punk”, was swept back onto the stage in a wheelchair and apologized for the collapse, the medium continued. “Unfortunately I got sick and the doctor said that I can’t go on. So we have to come up with something. And I feel very bad,” said Smith. The appearance was then canceled.

In the Brazilian metropolis, Patti Smith performed together with the Soundwalk Collective group from Berlin. With the experimental sound art collective, she has been on shows around the world for several years. the artists published an explanation of the collapse and spoke of a “very moving experience”.

“Patti has had to struggle with heavy migraines in the past few days and her dizzy on stage,” stood in it. Nevertheless, the 78-year-old wanted to perform for her fans. “It is now treated in the most loving way by the best doctors,” continues the statement. On the second evening in São Paulo, Smith wanted to appear again on January 30th.

Patti Smith became a cult figure of the underground and punk culture as a poet and singer in the mid-1970s. She gained special fame through the song “Because The Night” written together with Bruce Springsteen (75). In the summer of 2025, Smith also completed several appearances in Germany, including July 11th in Berlin and on July 14th in Munich.