Patti Smith Celebrates 50 Years of “Horses” with Electrifying Performance

The iconic rock musician Patti Smith celebrated the 50th anniversary of her groundbreaking debut album, “Horses,” with a captivating performance at the Masonic Auditorium in San Francisco on November 13, 2025. The event not only showcased her legendary status but also highlighted the enduring impact of an album often hailed as one of the greatest of all time.

As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere was electric, with fans drawn together by the power of rock music. Smith, now 78 years old, took the stage just after 20:15, leading her band through a reimagined rendition of Them’s classic “Gloria,” seamlessly blending it with her own track “In Excelsis Deo.” The performance was a journey through the eight tracks of “Horses,” delivered with a raw energy that resonated deeply with the audience.

The demand for tickets to this historic concert reflected the album’s lasting legacy. Both the Masonic show and Smith’s previous performance at the Fox Theater in Oakland were sold out, with resale prices reaching as high as thousands of dollars—a notable increase for a Patti Smith concert. This tour marks the first time in two decades that she has specifically celebrated “Horses” in concert, adding to the excitement surrounding the event.

Smith and her band, featuring original “Horses” musicians Lenny Kaye on guitar and Jay Dee Daugherty on drums, delivered a faithful tribute to the album. The set included a dynamic mix of tracks, transitioning from “Gloria” to “Redondo Beach,” followed by a powerful rendition of “Free Money.” While Smith initially kept interactions with the audience minimal, she became more engaging as the performance progressed, sharing anecdotes that offered insight into the album’s creation and the vibrant New York City scene of the 1970s.

During the introduction to “Break It Up,” Smith reminisced about her life with fellow musician Tom Verlaine of the band Television, evoking images of their shared experiences in the art and music world. These personal stories added a rich layer to the performance, inviting fans to connect with the history behind the music.

The concert continued with “Elegie,” which, although a departure from the original track listing, brought the first half of the show to a powerful conclusion with “Land.” Following a brief intermission, the band honored Verlaine’s Television with a trio of songs, showcasing their own musical influence and paying tribute to a fellow icon.

After a brief technical issue with the bass amp, which Smith humorously acknowledged, the band resumed with a stunning performance of “Pissing in the River” and a rendition of “Peaceable Kingdom” that included a snippet of “People Have the Power.” The main set concluded with the anthemic “Because the Night,” leaving the audience energized and eager for more.

The encore featured a heartfelt “Happy Birthday to You” for Smith’s touring agent, Frank Riley, followed by “Ghost Dance” and the climactic return to “People Have the Power.” This closing number resonated with the audience, encapsulating the spirit of the night and the message of empowerment that Smith has long championed.

Patti Smith’s November 13 concert was not just a celebration of an album but a reminder of the transformative power of music. As she deftly blended rock and poetry, she reaffirmed her status as a trailblazer in the music industry, inspiring new generations of artists and fans alike.