Patti Smith Collapses While Performing on Stage in Brazil

While known for her contributions to the music industry, Patti Smith is more than the singer behind hit songs like “Because the Night.” She is also an accomplished writer, painter, and photographer. Looking over her career, she landed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, won the National Book Award, and gained the Polar Music Prize in 2011. Still performing and sharing her love for music, Smith recently collapsed while performing in Brazil, causing fans to worry about her health. 

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Although 78 years old, Smith never let her age hold her back as she continued to travel the world performing. While still taking the stage, it’s been over a decade since she released an album as a solo artist. Her last, Banga, hit shelves in 2012. As for the incident, Smith was performing in  São Paulo, Brazil on Wednesday when she suddenly collapsed. 

Taking the stage with the music group Soundwalk Collective, members in the audience recalled watching Smith fall backward, hitting her head on the floor. Having to be escorted off the stage in a wheelchair, the singer eventually returned and offered to perform one more song. And given her history, she decided to play “Because the Night.” When ending the song, the arena erupted in cheers, causing Smith to perform one more song. 

[RELATED: Patti Smith Pays Homage to Late President Jimmy Carter: “He Had a Beautiful Vision of What Our Country Could Be”]

Patti Smith Ready To Return To The Stage After Fall

After the concert, Soundwalk Collective released a statement about the incident on social media. “Patti has suffered from an intense migraine the past couple of days and had some dizziness on stage, but she still wanted to be there for all of us and you and perform today. She is now being cared for by the best doctors in the most loving way and will be back on stage tomorrow night.” 

While announcing her return just a day after her fall, Soundwalk Collective insisted, “Patti says she is tremendously grateful for your patience and forgiveness and she sends her love to all who attended.”  

Knowing the power of social media, the band kindly asked that those who might have recorded the fall refrain from posting out of respect for Smith. 

(Photo by Per Ole Hagen/Redferns)