Patti Smith speaks out after online rumours of illness and injury at gig

Patti Smith has set the record straight and shared an update on her health amid rumours of illness and injury at her gig.

• READ MORE: Patti Smith live in London: punk’s poet laureate claims legend status

Videos of the legendary punk poet’s gig last night (January 29) at the Teatro Cultura Artistica in São Paulo, Brazil in which she is sat in a wheelchair performing on stage have been circulating on social media.

One clip on X/twitter was shared with a caption that read: “Patti Smith, 78, after falling backwards and being knocked unconscious. Return to the Cultura Artística stage and delight everyone.”

Another clip shared by a different user had a caption that read: “One of the most special moments of my life was seeing Patti Smith singing Because the Night strong and steady after fainting on stage greatest artist in the world < 3”

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

um dos momentos mais mais mais especiais da minha vida foi ver a patti smith cantando because the night firme e forte depois de desmaiar no palco maior artista do mundo <3 pic.twitter.com/5u9KFqjKTp

— ✦ bela ✧ (@belamuzy) January 30, 2025

Now, Smith has taken to her official Instagram account to explain what really happened and give an update on her health. She shared a selfie of her sat in what appears to be a hotel room and wrote in the caption: “This is letting everyone know that I am fine. A grossly exaggerated account is being spread by the press and social media.”

She continued: “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. Please do not accept any other story.

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.”

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A post shared by This is Patti Smith (@thisispattismith)

Smith is set to perform at the Teatro Cultura Artistica in São Paulo, Brazil again tonight (January 30). The string of dates are in support of Smith’s project with Soundwalk Collective titled ‘CORRESPONDENCES Vol. 1’.

According to Soundwalk Collective’s website, the project “traverses a wealth of geographies and their natural environments, where the artists have uncovered sonic steps left by poets, filmmakers, revolutionaries and impact of climate change.”

This was not the first time the ‘Because The Night’ singer has dealt with a health issue ahead or during a show. Last year, she was forced to cancel a show in Bologna after a “sudden illness” prompted her to be rushed to the hospital.

A few days later, it was reported that the singer was “in good health“, with Smith taking to social media: “I am resting, as the doctor ordered, grateful to have had such care, though being painfully aware that many are not so fortunate.”

In other news, a Patti Smith tribute show is set to take place on March 26 at New York’s Carnegie Hall. The gig is a Music Of benefit concert that will donate 100 per cent of net proceeds to music education for underserved youth.

The likes of Karen O, Michael Stipe, Kim Gordon, Flea, and more are set to perform at the gig.

The post Patti Smith speaks out after online rumours of illness and injury at gig appeared first on NME.