EntertainmentLegendary Singer Collapses On StagePublished 1 week ago on January 31, 2025By Mark Steffen
Legendary punk rock singer Patti Smith collapsed on stage during a recent concert in Brazil, forcing her to cut the show short and leaving longtime fans fearful about her health.
At 78, Smith is long in the tooth for the punk rock movement. She is one of the genre’s foundational figures, rising to prominence in the 1970s as leader of the Patti Smith Group on her way to becoming 47th on Rolling Stone’s list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
Despite her age, the Chicago native has toured extensively and was in the middle of performing a reading about climate change at Sao Paulo’s Cultura Artística Theater when she suddenly collapsed and was whisked backstage.
Video obtained by a Brazilian news outlet shows Smith lying on stage flat on her back with arms elevated as techs rushed in to check her status.
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Patti Smith, 78, depois de um tombo pra trás e ficar desacordada. Volta ao palco do Cultura Artística e encanta a todos pic.twitter.com/H4QAAajvM9
— Raul Juste Lores (@rauljustelores) January 30, 2025
A short time later, Smith appeared in a wheelchair, telling hundreds of fans in attendance that the lights were going out early. Still, she finished her reading and led the audience in an a capella song before departing.
“Unfortunately, I got sick, and the doctor said I can’t finish. So we’ll have to figure something out. And I feel very badly,” she said, TMZ reported.
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After the show, Berlin-based Soundwalk Collective, which was backing Smith that night, shared further details about her collapse, saying a “migraine” had gotten the better of her.
“Patti has suffered from an intense migraine the past couple days and had some dizziness on stage, but she still wanted to be there for all of us and you and perform today,” the group wrote on its Instagram page.
Incredibly, it added, she would be returning for a follow-up performance the next night.
“She is now being cared for by the best doctors in the most loving way and will be back on stage tomorrow night,” the statement adds. “Patti says that she is tremendously grateful for your patience and forgiveness and she sends her love to all who attended.”
The singer posted her own update on Instagram, saying news about her fall was being blown out of proportion by the media.
“This is letting everyone know that I am fine. A grossly exaggerated account is being spread by the press and social media.
I had some post migraine dizziness. Had a small incident, left the stage, and returned 10 minutes later and talked to the people, told them I was fine and sang them Wing and Because the night.
I was checked out by an excellent doctor and was absolutely fine,” Smith wrote.
“With all the strife in the world, this explainable incident does not merit so much attention. Thank you everyone for your concern. Trust me I am fine.”
