Patti Smith on the Night That Changed Her Life
In 1976, the bicentennial year marking the Revolution, we toured the album Horses, pushing forward boldly into the future. It was a spontaneous era, spending time with William Burroughs in his Bowery bunker, watching Television perform at CBGB, and planning a wild future alongside my brother Todd while crossing America with a rock ’n’ roll band.
Our country faced serious challenges: the trauma of Vietnam, racial injustice, and sexual discrimination. Yet, we celebrated America’s cultural achievements—rock ’n’ roll, jazz, activism, abstract expressionism, and the Beat movement. I felt empowered and committed to our mission.
Touring the West Coast with a Unique Company
While touring along the West Coast, the band—Lenny Kaye on guitar, Jay Dee Daugherty on drums, Ivan Král on bass, and Richard Sohl on keyboards—traveled with Paul Getty and French actress Maria Schneider.
- Maria Schneider, beloved for roles in The Passenger and Last Tango in Paris, had intense black eyes and a wild mop of dark hair, dressed strikingly in a white shirt and black tie.
- Paul Getty, grandson of a wealthy oil magnate and a survivor of a notorious kidnapping in Italy, was introduced to me by William Burroughs, marking me as a young follower passing through his circle of saints.
"I was quite fond of Paul with his wild red hair, freckled skin, and eyes like mine, slightly cast."
This night and the people surrounding it marked a pivotal moment in my life and career, shaping my artistic journey.
Author’s note: Patti Smith reflects on a defining 1976 tour, highlighting the blend of cultural vibrancy and personal encounters that fueled her artistic spirit amid America’s complexities.
More News
- TreVeyon Henderson's nifty cutbacks picks up 26 yards
- Support STRONG en acier – finition blanc mat
- Putin meets Modi as Russia-India ties tested by US pressure
- [SUPPORT Definition & Meaning — Dictionary Entry Summary]
- 'The rules of war are very clear': Pete Hegseth's days are numbered as Gary Peters says it's 'pretty clear' a war crime was committed
- Henderson: My hand was killing after that save!
- The everyday fruit juice that may help steady blood pressure and soothe inflammation
- Ruby Is Not a Serious Programming Language
- [SERIOUS definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary]
- [PRESSURE Definition & Meaning]