Patti Smith‘s ‘Horses‘ Revisited: A Celebration of empowerment, Imperfection, and Rock & Roll’s Enduring Spirit
Patti Smith’s recent performance revisiting her landmark 1975 debut album, Horses, wasn’t simply a concert; it was a vibrant, sprawling testament to the album’s enduring power and the artist’s continued relevance. The show, a mix of faithful recreation and playful deconstruction, proved that Horses remains a potent hymn to self-revelation and the liberating force of rock and roll. But,as the evening revealed,even icons are capable of moments that feel…off-key.
Smith, now a seasoned performer, approached the material with a delightful blend of reverence and irreverence. She tucked her reading glasses back into her pocket and launched into the shamanic doo-wop coda, a signature flourish that immediately signaled this wouldn’t be a rigid, note-for-note rendition.
A Fluid Reimagining of a Classic
The setlist wasn’t afraid to stray from the original Horses tracklist. Smith and her band mischievously flipped the script, strategically inserting “Elegie” – a touching dedication to Jeff Beck – earlier in the set. This allowed for a powerful build-up to the show-stopping “Land,” a phantasmagorical narrative of salvation through music.
Smith’s storytelling prowess was on full display. She reimagined the lyrics of “Half a Century” as a commentary on the birth of British punk, declaring, “Johnny walked the streets of London wondering who the fuck he was… until the people gave him the energy… for half a fucking century!” Then, pausing dramatically at the stage’s edge, she flexed her biceps – a physical embodiment of the surging life force that fuels her art.
Paying Homage to New York’s Punk Scene
The concert wasn’t solely focused on Horses. A mid-set interlude featured a medley of songs from Television’s Marquee Moon,another cornerstone of 1970s New York rock.As a “sister band,” Smith’s group tackled the intricate guitar work with admirable skill, particularly Jackson Smith’s channeling of Tom Verlaine’s signature sound.
However, the “Marquee Moon” medley felt incomplete. It abruptly ended before Smith could join in on the song’s explosive climax, a missed possibility to fully unleash her energy.
Deconstructing the Legend
Smith continued to subvert expectations with a spirited rendition of The Byrds’ “So You Want To Be A Rock ‘n’ Roll Star.” her playfully cynical delivery – “Was it all a strange game? You’re a little insane!” – served as a sly dismantling of her own carefully constructed legend.
You might anticipate a “punk poet laureate” to be a somewhat precious performer. Instead, Smith was remarkably down-to-earth, sharing a touching anecdote about writing “Because The Night” while anxiously awaiting a phone call from her future husband, Fred “Sonic” Smith. This vulnerability created a genuine connection with the audience.
A Controversial Finale
The show reached a poignant moment with the arrival of Jesse Smith, Patti’s daughter, on keyboards. But the goodwill built over two hours was unexpectedly challenged by the appearance of Johnny Depp.
His inclusion was, frankly, baffling. Depp added little musically, and his ostentatious attire – a fedora and tie-dye – drew unwanted attention. More importantly, his presence proved divisive, with audible protests from the audience during the closing song.
During “People Have the Power,” a song traditionally about unity, shouts of ”Fuck off, Johnny!” underscored the discomfort many felt. It was a jarring reminder that celebrity doesn’t automatically equate to artistic contribution or social responsibility.
A Powerful Message, Slightly Tarnished
Ultimately, Patti Smith’s performance reaffirmed the enduring message of Horses: rock and roll is a spirit of self-determination. it’s a force that resides within all of us, not merely an excuse for questionable behavior.
It’s strange, then, that Smith momentarily seemed to forget this lesson. Despite the awkward finale, the evening was a powerful reminder of her legacy and the continuing relevance of her groundbreaking work.
SET 1
* Gloria
* Redondo Beach
* Free money
* Birdland
Keep reading