Patti Smith reportedly smacked her head on the stage as she fainted during a performance in São Paulo, Brazil on Wednesday night.
The 78-year-old rock icon was performing with the experimental music group Soundwalk Collective at the Teatro Cultura Artística when she collapsed.
Shocked onlookers told Brazilian outlet Metrópoles that Smith fell backwards and hit her head on the floor before being escorted off stage in a wheelchair.
Despite the health scare, the Gloria hitmaker returned in the wheelchair and apologised to the audience. She noted that doctors advised her to call off the rest of the show but she wanted to sing one more song.
After performing one of her greatest hits, Because The Night, seated in the wheelchair, Smith received a standing ovation and decided to sing a second song as well.
Smith and Soundwalk Collective issued a joint statement on the latter’s Instagram Stories, explaining the reason for her collapse and assuring fans that they will perform at the venue again on Thursday.
“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,” the statement reads.
“Patti says she is tremendously grateful for your patience and forgiveness and she sends her love to all who attended.”
The singer-songwriter previously experienced a medical emergency on tour in December 2023. She had to cancel a series of concerts in Italy after being hospitalised with a “sudden illness”. She was discharged a few days later after undergoing health checks and a period of observation.
