Patti Smith on the night that changed her life

Patti Smith on the Night That Changed Her Life

It was the bicentennial year, 1976, celebrating the Revolution. We were touring with Horses, moving boldly into the future.

Those were free-spirited days, spending time with William Burroughs in his Bowery bunker, watching Television at CBGB, planning a chaotic future with my brother Todd, and traveling across America with a rock'n'roll band.

Though our country faced serious flaws—Vietnam’s shadow, racial injustice, and gender discrimination—we embraced America’s rich cultural legacy: rock'n'roll, jazz, activism, abstract expressionism, and the Beats.

It was a moment when I felt empowered and deeply committed to our mission.

Touring the West Coast

While touring the west coast, the band – Lenny Kaye on guitar, Jay Dee Daugherty on drums, Ivan Král on bass, and Richard Sohl on keyboards – was joined by Paul Getty and French actor Maria Schneider.

Maria, celebrated for her roles in The Passenger and Last Tango in Paris, with striking black eyes and wild dark hair, appeared as a mirror in a white shirt and black tie.

Paul Getty, grandson of one of the richest oil magnates and survivor of a notorious kidnapping in Italy, was introduced to me by William Burroughs, who welcomed me as the youngest acolyte among his circle.

"I was quite fond of Paul with his wild red hair, freckled skin, and eyes like mine, slightly cast."

That night remains a powerful memory of connection, creativity, and the spirit of a transformative era.

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The Observer — 2025-11-02

Patti Smith on the Night That Changed Her Life

Touring the West Coast

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