Patti Smith Marks Personal Milestones with Intimate NYC Performance

On November 4, 2025, legendary singer-songwriter Patti Smith held a special performance in New York City to celebrate a number of personal milestones. The event, which took place at Manhattan's Town Hall, coincided with Election Day, a day that Smith described as "a very auspicious day" and "a very special day."

In addition to the election, November 4th also marked the birthday of Smith's longtime friend and collaborator, the photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Smith also took a moment to remember her late husband, Fred "Sonic" Smith, who passed away on that same date. "It's a day of celebration and remembrance," she told the crowd, "and knowing that I have the privilege of loving these two wonderful men."

During the performance, Smith shared stories and readings from her new memoir, "Bread of Angels," which looks back on her childhood, her early days in the New York punk scene, and the 14 years she spent building a life with her husband in Michigan. She also performed stripped-down acoustic versions of classics from her extensive catalog, including "Ghost Dance" and "Because the Night."

The emotional highlight of the evening came when Smith performed a hushed rendition of "Dancing Barefoot," which she described as "a love song to Fred." She also led the audience in a rousing sing-along of "People Have the Power," turning the song into an Election Night celebration.

Throughout the night, Smith's powerful presence and poetic storytelling captivated the audience, who were treated to an intimate glimpse into the life and creative process of one of rock's most iconic figures.