SAO PAULO — Renowned singer and poet Patti Smith has assured her supporters that she feels “fine” following a collapse during her concert in Brazil, where she later returned to express her apologies for concluding the show prematurely.
Footage circulating on social media depicted the 78-year-old lying on the stage during her performance in Sao Paulo on Wednesday evening.
“I’m fine. You can hear I’m fine,” she communicated via phone on Thursday morning. “The entire situation has been overly dramatized.” She mentioned a note she shared on her Instagram describing the incident as post-migraine dizziness, stating, “It speaks for itself.”
“I was examined by a fantastic physician and I was completely fine. Please disregard any other narratives. With all the chaos occurring globally, this understandable episode doesn’t deserve so much attention,” Smith shared in her post.
The Cultura Artística Theater announced that they would not proceed with Thursday’s evening performance, despite initially planning to go ahead as scheduled. Smith was in Sao Paulo to showcase her “Correspondences” project alongside the Berlin-based group Soundwalk Collective for two days, where she presented selections of her poetry with musical accompaniment.
Soundwalk Collective reported that Smith had been battling a severe migraine for a few days, but that she “still wanted to be there for all of us and you and perform.” They shared a statement, co-authored with Smith, on their Instagram stories.
A follow-up message posted later on Thursday indicated that the group made the tough decision to cancel the next performance. “Patti is now recovering well but our caring doctors advise that she needs additional time to return to her best,” they noted.
Reports indicate that Smith collapsed approximately 30 minutes into her set while discussing climate change. She fell onto the stage and stayed there for a short while before receiving help.
“She clearly seemed dizzy. She started to move backward and fell, possibly trying to lean on the microphone or music stand. It was quite a strange sight,” recounted Micheline Alves, a journalist seated in the front rows, during a phone conversation.
Alves mentioned that a doctor in the audience came onstage to assist Smith. “After a few minutes, we realized she wasn’t unconscious. She managed to get up by herself,” Alves reported.
Following this, she was transferred to a wheelchair and taken backstage. Smith later reappeared in the wheelchair to apologize, as captured in local media video.
“Unfortunately, I got sick, and the doctor advised I cannot continue. So we will need to work out something. I feel very badly,” Smith explained.
The audience responded in unison: “Don’t be! We love you!” Smith then performed “Wing” and “Because the Night” acapella, which many in attendance found moving.
“It was truly beautiful because she seemed very saddened and vulnerable about not being able to complete the show,” Alves described.
