Patti Smith Announces Tour Celebrating 50 Years of ‘Horses’

NEW YORK — Rock icon Patti Smith is embarking on a tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her seminal debut album, “Horses.” The tour, which will run from October 6 to November 29, includes 20 shows across Europe and North America.

The first performance is scheduled for Dublin, Ireland, at the 3Arena, with Smith expected to perform the album in its entirety, including her iconic cover of Van Morrison‘s “Gloria.” Smith, now 78, last played “Horses” front to back during a concert at the Meltdown Festival in London in 2005.

<p"Please join us to help celebrate the final ride of our irreverent thoroughbred," said Smith in a press release. Accompanying her on stage will be longtime collaborators guitarist Lenny Kaye and drummer Jay Dee Daugherty, both of whom contributed to the original 1975 recording.

“Horses” is regarded as a landmark record in punk rock history, known for its unique blend of poetry and music. The album includes enduring tracks such as “Redondo Beach,” “Free Money,” and “Break It Up,” and has even been recognized by the Library of Congress as a historically significant work.

Critics have long praised Smith’s distinctive vocal style and the album’s avant-garde approach. “Song to song, it is challenging, exciting, and so much different from anything I’ve ever heard,” said music journalist Charlie Kaplan. “To me, ‘Horses’ is only music in a strictly technical sense. These are only a sort of dramatic backdrop for her lyrics, like a film score.”

The announcement comes on the heels of Smith’s recent health scare, as she faced a brief incident during a concert in São Paulo, Brazil, in January, when she collapsed on stage. Smith reassured fans via social media that she was fine, attributing the experience to post-migraine dizziness.

Tickets for the U.S. leg of the tour will be available for purchase starting February 14. Pre-sales begin on February 12, making it important for fans to stay alert for ticket availability, particularly given Smith’s infrequent performances in certain regions.

Smith’s extensive discography features nearly a dozen studio albums, including pivotal works like “Easter” (1978), “Wave” (1979), and “Dream of Life” (1988). She is also an acclaimed author, with her memoir “Just Kids” winning the 2010 National Book Award for Nonfiction.

This fall’s tour is not only a celebration of one of music’s defining albums but also a reunion for fans who have followed Smith’s storied career for decades. For more information about tour dates and ticket details, visit the official website.