Patti Smith on the Night That Changed Her Life
It was the bicentennial year, 1976, marking the celebration of the American Revolution. We were touring the album Horses, moving boldly into the future. It was a free-spirited time—hanging out with William Burroughs in his Bowery bunker, watching Television at CBGB, envisioning a chaotic future with my brother Todd, and crossing America with a rock ’n’ roll band.
Our country had deep flaws: the shame of Vietnam, racial injustice, and sexual discrimination. Yet, we celebrated America’s cultural achievements—rock ’n’ roll, jazz, activism, abstract expressionism, and the Beats. It was a period when I felt strong and believed in our collective mission.
Touring Along the West Coast
While touring Horses on the west coast, the band included Lenny Kaye on guitar, Jay Dee Daugherty on drums, Ivan Král on bass guitar, and Richard Sohl on keyboards. We were joined by Paul Getty and the French actor Maria Schneider.
- Maria Schneider was admired for her roles in The Passenger and Last Tango in Paris. She had intense black eyes and wild dark hair, often seen as a mirror in a white shirt and black tie.
- Paul Getty was the grandson of one of the world’s richest oil magnates and a survivor of a famously botched kidnapping in Italy.
William Burroughs had introduced Paul to me, a pale acolyte, the youngest passing through his portal of saints.
I was fond of Paul, with his wild red hair, freckled skin, and eyes similar to mine, slightly cast.
Reflection
This moment marked a turning point in my life, blending art, friendship, and the powerful energy of America’s cultural renaissance.
Author’s Summary
Patti Smith reflects on the transformative 1976 bicentennial tour, capturing a vibrant era of cultural upheaval, deep friendships, and hopeful rebellion.