Patti Smith is reassuring fans after sparking health concerns with a dramatic onstage collapse during a performance in São Paulo, Brazil. The punk icon, 78, was forced to leave the stage at the Cultura Artística Theater after experiencing dizziness, just one day after suffering from a severe migraine.
Smith quickly took to Instagram to calm her worried fans, explaining that the fall was caused by “post-migraine dizziness” and emphasizing that she is “doing fine.” In her post, she wrote: “I am fine. A grossly exaggerated account is being spread by the press and social media. I had some post-migraine dizziness, had a small incident, left the stage, and returned 10 minutes later to talk to the people, told them I was fine, and sang ‘Wing’ and ‘Because the Night.'”
She continued, “I was checked out by an excellent doctor and was absolutely fine. Please do not accept any other story. With all the strife in the world, this explainable incident does not merit so much attention. Thank you everyone for your concern. Trust me, I am fine.”
Fans flooded her post with messages of love and support, with many expressing relief that she was okay. One fan wrote, “I’m so glad you’re fine and healthy! Can’t wait to see you tonight! Sending love and good vibes!” Another added, “Thank you for being this amazing human. Wishing you a full recovery and hope to see you again soon.”
The fall itself was shocking, with a video showing Smith lying on the ground before being assisted offstage in a wheelchair. After about 10 minutes, she returned to perform a few songs while seated in the chair.
The Cultura Artística Theater quickly issued a statement, assuring fans that Smith was in good hands: “She’s being attended to by the best doctors and our team.”
Smith, who was in Brazil for the “Correspondences” project alongside the Soundwalk Collective, had been battling a migraine for several days leading up to the performance. Despite her discomfort, she was determined to “be there for all of us and you and perform,” according to the group.
Journalist Micheline Alves, who was in the front row, described the moment as “bizarre,” explaining that Smith appeared to lose her balance before falling, seemingly trying to steady herself on a microphone stand. Fortunately, a doctor at the venue quickly assessed her, and Smith was able to rise on her own.
Before leaving the stage, Smith apologized to the audience, explaining she could not continue the show. The crowd’s response was overwhelmingly supportive, with one fan telling her, “Don’t be! We love you!” Alves noted that Smith’s vulnerability during the moment was especially touching, saying, “It was very beautiful because she was very sad, very vulnerable about not being able to do the show.”