Patti Smith Horses 50th Anniversary Tour Celebrates a Punk Landmark

Patti Smith is marking a major music milestone in 2025. Her landmark 1975 album “Horses” has turned 50 years old. The iconic punk poet is celebrating with a powerful international tour. She performed two sold-out nights at New York’s Beacon Theater.

The shows mixed raw energy with deep nostalgia. Smith, now 79, proved her artistic fire still burns brightly. She was backed by her long-time band, including original members. According to The New York Times, the performances were both a tribute and a testament to her enduring influence.

A Family Affair On Stage

Smith’s band functions as a living extension of her history. Guitarist Lenny Kaye has been with her since the beginning. Drummer Jay Dee Daugherty also played on the original “Horses” sessions. The band’s current lineup includes multi-instrumentalist Tony Shanahan.

The family connection runs even deeper. Her son, Jackson Smith, often joins on guitar. Her daughter, Jessie Smith, frequently appears on piano for encores. This creates a unique, intimate atmosphere on stage. It blends professional musicianship with deep personal bonds.

New Memoir Explores Love and Loss

The anniversary coincides with a significant literary release. Smith has published a new memoir titled “Bread of Angels.” The book offers a candid look at her life after her National Book Award-winning “Just Kids.” It details her marriage to MC5 guitarist Fred “Sonic” Smith.

It also explores her profound grief following his death in 1994. The memoir reveals how she navigated being a widow and a single mother. Sources like Rolling Stone note the book provides deep insight into her creative rebirth. She channeled personal tragedy into her acclaimed 1996 album, “Gone Again.”

Thought you’d like to know

What is Patti Smith’s new book about?

“Bread of Angels” is a memoir focusing on her marriage to Fred “Sonic” Smith. It also details her life in Detroit and her journey through grief and artistic rediscovery after his passing.

Who is in Patti Smith’s current band?

Her band still features original “Horses” members Lenny Kaye and Jay Dee Daugherty. They are joined by long-time collaborator Tony Shanahan and often by her children, Jackson and Jessie Smith.

How long is the Horses 50th anniversary tour?

The tour includes multiple dates across North America and Europe throughout 2025. Specific dates and cities are listed on her official website.

What songs is she playing on the tour?

The setlist features the entire “Horses” album played in sequence. It also includes other classics like “Because the Night” and “People Have the Power.”

Why is the album “Horses” so important?

“Horses” is widely considered a foundational record of the punk rock movement. It uniquely fused rock and roll with poetic, stream-of-consciousness lyrics, breaking new ground in 1975.