Patti Smith at Field Day 2015, review: Punk poet legend performs Horses in full
There wasn't a dry eye in Victoria Park for the 'godmother of punk'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.“I’m not wearing these shades to look cool. It’s just, you know… the sun,” Patti Smith says to her audience. “You’re the f**king coolest!” someone screams in response.
Ride may have caused a stir with their reunion and FKA twigs is captivating to watch, but the punk poet legend is the event of Field Day weekend.
She misses a cue at the beginning of “Birdman” and shrugs it off. “I don’t do nothing perfect,” she tells her audience, pausing before adding: “I only f**k up perfect.”
Following “Because the Night” with “My Generation”, she spits out the lyrics, tosses her head and attacks a guitar, ripping up the strings like it just insulted Arthur Rimbaud. “Birdland”, dedicated to Jimi Hendrix, is one of several moments that actually leaves many audience members in tears.
Smith’s voice is rougher, more weathered than it is on the record, and she sounds angrier. “We are all being f**ked by corporations, by the military. We are free people and we want the world and we want it now!” she roars.
Watching Patti Smith perform live – for the first, second or fifth time – feels like a life-changing experience as it is. Witnessing her perform Horses in full, on its 40th anniversary, is something else entirely.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments