Patti Smith, the legendary rocker, reassured fans that she is “absolutely fine” after a minor incident that occurred while she was performing in Brazil. The 78-year-old singer apparently collapsed onstage in Sao Paulo on Wednesday, Jan. 29, during a performance with the Soundwalk Collective group. She was aided offstage and then made a brief return in a wheelchair. Addressing the incident on Instagram the following day, Smith explained that she had been experiencing the effects of a migraine and emphasized that reports of what happened were greatly exaggerated.
In her Instagram post, Smith shared a selfie where she appeared smiling and waving to the camera, stating, “This is [me] letting everyone know that I am fine.” She clarified that she experienced post-migraine dizziness, had a small incident on stage, left briefly, and then returned to address the audience and perform songs like “Wing” and “Because the Night.” Smith expressed gratitude for the concern shown by her fans and assured them that she had been examined by a professional doctor and was in good health, urging everyone to not give too much attention to the incident in light of the many challenges in the world.
The incident took place around 30 minutes into Smith’s performance, during which she remained on the ground for some time before receiving assistance, according to reports from the Associated Press. Journalist Micheline Alves recounted that Smith tried to steady herself by holding onto her microphone or music stand, but ended up falling. Despite the fall, she remained conscious and was able to stand independently. Video footage shared on social media captured Smith’s return to the stage in a wheelchair, where she apologized to the audience and explained that she was unwell and unable to continue the performance as planned.
Smith’s collaboration with the Berlin-based Soundwalk Collective on the “Correspondences” project involves recitations of her writings alongside musicians. The project, which began on Jan. 16 and is set to run until Feb. 22, aims to blend her distinctive spoken word with musical accompaniment. The collective confirmed on Instagram that Smith had been struggling with a severe migraine for a couple of days, leading to dizziness on stage. Despite her condition, she insisted on performing for her fans and was receiving excellent care from medical professionals to ensure her swift return to the stage.
Following Smith’s onstage incident, messages of support and well-wishes poured in from fans and fellow musicians, emphasizing the enduring admiration and respect for the influential artist. Her resilience and determination to continue performing despite health challenges were highlighted as a testament to her passion for music and connection with her audience. As Smith recovers and prepares to resume her performances, her fans eagerly anticipate her return to the stage, where she will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences with her iconic voice and meaningful lyrics.
In a world filled with uncertainties and struggles, Patti Smith’s message of resilience and gratitude serves as a reminder of the power of music to uplift spirits and unite people across borders. Her bravery in addressing her health issues openly and continuing to pursue her artistic endeavors inspires countless individuals facing their own challenges. As fans rally around the beloved musician, their unwavering support and appreciation for her contributions to the music industry underscore her enduring legacy and influence on generations of music lovers worldwide.