Patti Smith Announces 50th Anniversary Tour for ‘Horses’
Patti Smith, the iconic punk rock poet and musician, is set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her groundbreaking debut album, Horses, with a new tour that will see her perform the album in its entirety. This significant milestone not only highlights Smith’s enduring relevance in the music industry but also offers fans a chance to experience a classic album that transformed rock music. The tour will kick off on October 6 in Dublin, with performances throughout Europe and the United States.
Tour Details and Itinerary
Smith’s upcoming tour will feature performances in major cities across Europe, including Madrid, London, and Paris, before transitioning to the States in November. Concerts are scheduled in Seattle, Oakland, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., and will culminate with a final show in Philadelphia on November 29. The full itinerary includes:
- October 6: Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena
- October 8: Madrid, Spain – Teatro Real
- October 10: Bergamo, Italy – Chorus Life Arena
- October 12-13: London, England – The Palladium
- October 15-16: Brussels, Belgium – Cirque Royale
- October 18: Oslo, Norway – Sentrum Scene
- October 20-21: Paris, France – The Olympia
- November 10: Seattle, WA – The Paramount Theatre
- November 12: Oakland, CA – The Fox Theatre
- November 13: San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
- November 15: Los Angeles, CA – Walt Disney Concert Hall
- November 17: Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre
- November 21-22: New York, NY – The Beacon Theatre
- November 24: Boston, MA – The Orpheum Theatre
- November 28: Washington, D.C. – The Anthem
- November 29: Philadelphia, PA – The Met
Band Lineup and Historical Significance
Joining Smith on stage will be long-time collaborators, including guitarist Lenny Kaye and drummer Jay Dee Daugherty, who contributed to the original Horses album recorded in 1975. Additionally, the tour will feature bassist and keyboardist Tony Shanahan, as well as Smith’s son, Jackson Smith, on guitar. This blend of historical and familial connections adds a poignant layer to the performances.
The Horses album, released in 1975, remains a pivotal moment in rock history, marked by its raw energy and Smith’s lyrical poignancy. Notably, Smith has performed the album in full on a few occasions before, such as in 2005 at London’s Meltdown Festival and in 2015 at New York’s Beacon Theatre.
Controversy and Corrections
In an earlier version of this announcement, it was mistakenly reported that Smith hadn’t performed Horses in full since 2005. The correction now acknowledges her performance in 2015. Such clarifications are crucial in maintaining the accuracy of a significant artist’s history.
Significance and Impact
This tour represents more than just a celebration of an album; it embodies a legacy that has influenced generations of musicians and fans alike. With its blend of poetic lyricism and punk ethos, Horses eschews traditional rock conventions and embraces a more avant-garde form of expression that continues to resonate today.
Patti Smith’s ability to captivate audiences decades later is a testament to her artistry and connection with her fans, proving that the spirit of rock and roll remains alive in her performances. As tickets become available, anticipation builds among music lovers and Smith enthusiasts, providing a unique opportunity to witness a landmark in musical history.
For those interested in attending, tickets for the tour can be found on platforms like Ticketmaster. This anniversary celebration not only honors the past but also emphasizes the ongoing journey of one of music’s most enduring figures.
